Iran's judiciary has pledged to continue taking 'decisive' action against individuals accused of working for foreign interests, as state media reports more executions and asset seizures. The announcement came amid a crackdown on dissent following nationwide protests.
On Monday evening, three men arrested during January's protests in Mashhad were executed. Authorities labeled them 'agents' of Israel's Mossad intelligence service and 'leaders of riots,' alleging they used knives and swords against paramilitary Basij forces and damaged public property.
Executions have surged in recent weeks, particularly since the start of the US-Israel war on Iran on February 28. The hangings are linked to anti-establishment protests that saw thousands killed and an internet shutdown.
In Isfahan, 21-year-old Sasan Azadvar was executed for 'cooperation with the enemy,' including attacking a minibus carrying security forces with stones and a club, and breaking windows of public buses and private vehicles.
Authorities maintain that while judicial proceedings have been accelerated, they remain legal, with executions approved by Supreme Court judges. Foreign-based human rights groups allege unfair trials and pressure on families to remain silent.
Several prisoners have been executed on espionage charges for Israel and other national security offenses. Two men were hanged for allegedly sending images of military facilities to Mossad and attempting to recruit others for sabotage.
Human rights organizations report that Iran carried out the highest number of executions in 2025-2026 since 1989. The UN confirmed at least 21 executions and over 4,000 arrests on national security charges since the war began.
Iranian authorities have also confiscated private assets of individuals suspected of anti-establishment activities. In Semnan province, assets of 22 'traitors' were seized. Amid a worsening economic situation, prices have surged, and the central bank chief acknowledged price increases due to war and sanctions.
Source: www.aljazeera.com