Iran Executes Man Convicted Over Killing During Anti-Government Protests
Tehran- Iran on Sunday executed a man convicted of involvement in the killing of a security forces volunteer during anti-government protests in the northwestern city of Urmia, as authorities continue a series of executions linked to recent nationwide unrest.
The judiciary’s official Mizan Online website said Mehrab Abdollahzadeh was hanged after legal procedures were completed, following his conviction under the capital offense of “corruption on earth,” one of the most serious charges under Iran’s penal code.
“Mehrab Abdollahzadeh’s death sentence was carried out this morning after completing the legal formalities,” Mizan said.According to the judiciary, Abdollahzadeh and several others were arrested during street protests in Urmia, where a farmer described by authorities as a volunteer assisting security forces was allegedly attacked and fatally beaten.
The victim had attended the demonstrations “as a volunteer force to ensure the security of the people,” Mizan said, referring to him as having been “martyred.” The report did not specify the exact date of the incident.Mizan also published what it said was part of Abdollahzadeh’s confession, in which he admitted to striking the victim several times in the face.
Two other defendants in the same case, both under the age of 18, were sentenced to prison terms of unspecified length, the judiciary said.Iran has in recent weeks carried out multiple executions of individuals accused of involvement in the wave of protests that erupted before the conflict with the United States and Israel.
The demonstrations began in late December over rising living costs and economic hardship before spreading nationwide and evolving into broader anti-government protests, reaching their peak on January 8 and 9.Iranian authorities said the protests initially began peacefully but later turned into what they described as “foreign-instigated riots” involving violence, killings and damage to public property.
Rights groups have repeatedly criticized Iran’s use of capital punishment in protest-related cases, raising concerns over due process, forced confessions and the speed of judicial proceedings.
The executions come as Tehran faces growing domestic economic pressure and heightened international scrutiny over both its internal security measures and regional military tensions.
