Six people sentenced to death in Iran participated in anti-government protests
An Iranian court sentenced six people to death for their involvement in the murder of a member of the Basij militia during the 2022 protests. These individuals are accused of being involved in the murder, although there is controversy regarding these accusations, as that there is no concrete evidence against the accused. Among them are Milad Armoon, Alireza Kafai, Amir Mohammad Khosh Agbal, Najran, Hossein Nemati and Alireza Bermarzpournak.
All of them have been punished with the Qisas al-Nafs (Islamic retributive death penalty). However, this decision can be appealed. This case is related to the protests that took place following the death of Mahsa Amini, in which these six defendants have been charged with the murder of Basij militia member Arman Alivardi.
This accusation was made against the protesters.
Many other serious charges, including murder and disorderly conduct, have been brought against the defendants. However, in this case, a video had gone viral on social networks, in which Alivardi is seen covered in blood and a protester kicking him. Government officials say Alivardi was stabbed by protesters, but the defendants deny these allegations. Ekhbatan residents say Alivardi was trying to join the protests.
Government pressure increases on the judicial system
This case exposes the fact that the ruling government’s pressure on the judicial system in Iran is increasing and has become a new weapon to suppress the voices of the opposition and protesters. Human rights organizations have also raised the issue that these accused were tortured and there was no fairness in the trial against them.
pressure exerted on protesters
In Ikebatan, there have also been several incidents where the Basij militia pressured protesters, entered apartments and damaged property. As protests against the regime in Iran grow, so does resentment against the judicial system. Political activist Hossein Ronaghi protested against the ruling, writing that it has become a weapon to silence opponents and protesters of the judiciary.
Human rights organizations also raised questions.
At the same time, human rights organizations believe that hearings related to the protests in Iran lack transparency and do not follow international legal standards. So far, several incidents of punishment related to the protests have come to light, in which nine people have been sentenced to death. These include names like Mohammad Mehdi Karami, Mohammad Ghobado, Mohan Shekhari and Majidreza Rahnward. This harsh attitude of the Iranian judiciary has further raised concerns about human rights violations.
