Two men were executed in Iran over alleged involvement in the killing of police officers during mass protests in Isfahan, the judiciary-linked Mizan news agency reported. Mizan says at least 27 people have now been executed in connection with unrest that began in late December amid an economic crisis. Human rights groups condemn the executions as intimidation; Amnesty International recorded 2,159 executions in Iran last year — the highest since 1981.
Iran Executes Two More Men Over Deadly Isfahan Protest Violence as Rights Groups Sound Alarm
FILE PHOTO - Participants in a rally titled "Stop the Massacre of Political Prisoners in Iran" hold flags and signs in front of Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, protesting the execution of political prisoners in Iran. (is associated with: «Iran executes two more men over deadly protest violence in Isfahan») Christophe Gateau/dpa
Iran executed two men on Tuesday over alleged roles in the killing of police officers during mass protests in the central city of Isfahan, the judiciary-affiliated Mizan news agency reported. Mizan said the latest executions bring to at least 27 the number of people put to death in connection with the unrest that began late last year.
Context
The demonstrations began in late December amid a deepening economic crisis and quickly broadened into nationwide protests against the country’s leadership. Security forces responded with force; human rights groups say thousands of people were killed during the crackdown.
Human Rights Concerns
Human rights organizations have long criticized Iran’s extensive use of capital punishment and say authorities are using executions as a tool of intimidation. Amnesty International reported at least 2,159 executions in Iran last year — the highest annual total recorded since 1981 — and noted that death sentences have also been applied to those accused of espionage and to political prisoners linked to the wider conflict involving Iran.
Note: The figures and assertions about the death toll and the number of executions come from rights groups and agencies cited by media reports; state and independent tallies may differ.
The executions and the broader campaign of arrests and trials have prompted international concern over due process and the fairness of proceedings in politically sensitive cases. Observers say greater transparency and independent monitoring are needed to verify the allegations and to ensure legal standards are upheld.
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