Iran executes three men for armed unrest during January protests

Iran has executed three men accused of participating in armed unrest during anti-government protests in January. The men, identified as Hassan Dioband, Hamid Kazemi, and Reza Zanganeh, were convicted of using bladed weapons, firearms, and incendiary devices in violent demonstrations in Karaj, a city west of Tehran. State media reported the executions, which come amid a broader crackdown on dissent in the country.

The protests that sparked these charges were initially ignited by rising living costs in December, but quickly evolved into widespread anti-government demonstrations. The unrest peaked on January 8 and 9, prompting a harsh response from Iranian authorities. They reported more than 3,000 deaths linked to the protests and attributed the violence to "terrorist acts" allegedly orchestrated by foreign adversaries, including the United States and Israel. In contrast, international human rights organizations have reported higher death tolls and provided testimonies of security forces using lethal force against unarmed protesters.

The recent executions are part of a disturbing trend in Iran, where the number of death sentences has surged since U.S.-Israeli strikes on the country began in late February. The Supreme Court upheld the convictions of Dioband, Kazemi, and Zanganeh, labeling them as participants in operational activities for foreign powers. Reports indicate that their actions resulted in damages, including a fire at an electricity substation, which led to power outages in the region. In addition to the executed men, ten others who were allegedly involved under Dioband's supervision received prison sentences ranging from five to ten years.

The UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, expressed alarm over the rising use of the death penalty in Iran. Since March 19, at least 56 individuals have been executed on national security charges, with 27 cases linked directly to the January protests. Iran is considered one of the world's most prolific executioners, with Amnesty International reporting over 2,159 executions in 2022, marking the highest annual total since 1981. This escalating trend raises concerns about the regime's tightening grip on power and the potential for further violence against dissenters.