Iran has executed two men, including a 19-year-old student, for their alleged involvement in anti-government protests, according to state-affiliated and human rights sources. Mohammad Amin Biglari, 19, and Shahin Vahedparast Kolor, 30, were hanged on April 5 at Ghezel Hesar Prison, the judiciary’s Mizan news agency reported. A third individual, 18-year-old Amirhossein Hatami, was executed on April 2, while 23-year-old Ali Fahim was hanged on April 6, according to the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights. All four were arrested on January 8 during protests in Tehran and charged with offenses including 'enmity against God,' arson, and threats to national security.
The executions have drawn condemnation from human rights advocates, who describe them as part of a broader crackdown on dissent. Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, director of Iran Human Rights, stated that the hangings are 'part of the Islamic Republic’s strategy of survival,' warning that more executions may follow. Families of the executed were reportedly denied final visits before the killings.
The executions occurred amid ongoing tensions between Iran and Western nations, including the U.S. and Israel, which have been engaged in military and diplomatic conflicts with Tehran. Human rights groups have criticized Iran’s judicial system, citing unfair trials and political motivations behind the death sentences.