Iran executes three men arrested during January anti-government protests

Iran executed three men on Sunday for their alleged involvement in armed unrest during the anti-government protests in January, according to state media. The men, Hassan Dioband, Hamid Kazemi, and Reza Zanganeh, were convicted of operating on behalf of Israel and the US, as well as participating in violent activities during the protests. The executions add to a series of recent death sentences handed down by Iran in connection with the January unrest, targeting individuals connected to external powers.

Dioband, Kazemi, and Zanganeh were charged with using firearms, grenades, and Molotov cocktails, setting ablaze public buildings, and damaging an electricity substation in Karaj. The city's power outages affected certain areas as a result. Dioband was apprehended on January 11 when authorities identified him as a suspect in property damage and incitement to violence. Three other individuals linked to the unrest under Dioband's direction were subsequently arrested.

The three men were sentenced to death and had their assets seized. The Supreme Court's confirmation of their death sentences led to their execution, while the remaining defendants faced prison terms ranging from five to ten years.