Iran

Iran has executed a man sentenced to death for taking part in the mass demonstrations that have spread across the country, according to state media. The Mizan news agency, which is run by Iran's judiciary, reported on Thursday that Mohsen Shekari—who had been charged with moharebeh , or"waging war against God," for closing a street and injuring an officer with a knife during protests—was hanged early that morning. Shekari had been arrested on September 25 and was convicted by Tehran's Revolutionary Court, Mizan wrote. Activists and experts say the charge of moharebeh, which carries the death penalty, has been used by the authorities to quell protests since 2019. The non-profit Iran Human Rights tweeted about the execution on Thursday , writing that Shekari was sentenced to death in "show trials without any due process" and calling for action against the government in Tehran. Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, the organization's director, added in a follow-up Twitter post: … [Read more...] about Iran executes first protester since beginning of unrest—report

Iran says it has executed a prisoner arrested during the ongoing anti-government protests - the first known death sentence linked to the unrest. The execution on Thursday came after people are believed to have gathered around Azadi Square in the capital Tehran overnight. The prisoner has been identified as Mohsen Shekari by the Mizan news agency, which is run by the country's judiciary. He was accused of injuring a security guard with a machete and blocking a street in Tehran, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency. Amnesty International has criticised what it describes as "sham trials designed to intimidate those participating in the popular uprising that has rocked Iran". The organisation says Iranian authorities are seeking the death penalty for at least 21 people. The execution comes as protesters continue to take to the streets in defiance of the government and the threat of the security forces, following the death of Mahsa Amini . More on Iran … [Read more...] about Iran executes first known prisoner arrested during protests

United States Central Command ( CENTCOM ) has said that an Iranian patrol boat tried to blind U.S. Navy ships in the Strait of Hormuz during a tense encounter amid ongoing unrest in the Islamic republic. CENTCOM said that the expeditionary sea base platform ship USS Lewis B. Puller (ESB 3) and guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68) were in international waters on Monday when an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy patrol boat approached. The Iranian vessel "attempted to blind the bridge by shining a spotlight," and got within 150 yards of the American ships, which was "dangerously close, particularly at night." To de-escalate the situation, the U.S. ships used non-lethal lasers and warned the Iranian vessel. The U.S. ships eventually proceeded on their way but CENTCOM said that the Iranian vessel had "violated international standards of professional and safe maritime behavior." Col. Joe Buccino, CENTCOM spokesperson, described the action as … [Read more...] about Iranian patrol boat attempts to blind U.S. Navy ships in Strait of Hormuz