Iran executes protesters in public as regime expands postwar repression: Reports
Public executions returned to the streets of Iran last week as the regime clamps down on public dissent after months of war with the U.S. and mass protests in January.
Iran resumed public executions in recent days, executing three young protesters in Isfahan after using cranes to set up hanging ropes on Alikhani Street. Amirhossein Safari, 27, Abolfazl Sepahi, 23, and Alirez Sepahi, 25, were accused of crimes related to January protests against the regime. At least 56 people have been executed on national security charges since March, including 27 linked to the January protests, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Over 100 others face execution on similar charges. Human rights groups claim the real number is higher. Iranian lawyers say defendants were tortured for days before confessing to murder. Families allege the regime coerced confessions through severe physical and psychological torture, denying defendants access to lawyers and evidence.
The U.N.'s Volker Türk condemned the recent executions, expressing concern over the judicial process and alleged torture. Amnesty International warned the death penalty is incompatible with human rights and called for urgent diplomatic action from the international community to halt further executions. Families of those on death row have been warned by authorities not to speak to the media or contact other defendants' families.
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