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Iran executes two more men over alleged violence at anti-government protests | World News


Two men have been hanged for allegedly killing a paramilitary volunteer during the protests, Iranian authorities said.

They have been named Mohammad Mehdi Karami and Mohammad Hosseini, meaning the four men are now known to have been killed since anti-government protests began in September.

All have undergone rapid, closed-door trials that Western governments and human rights groups say is a sham.

The judiciary’s Mizan news agency said it had been found guilty of killing SEYD Ruhollah Ajamian, part of the Revolutionary Guards’ volunteer Basij force.

The incident is said to have happened in Karaj, on the outskirts of the capital, Tehran, on November 3.

Basij worked to suppress protests, attacking and detaining protesters.

IranThe country’s hardline religious rulers have faced some of the fiercest anti-regime protests in years.

They are activated by the death of Mahsa Aminiwho died after being detained by religious police for allegedly not wearing a headscarf properly.

Thoroughly edited television images show the two men confessing to the charges in court, but activists say the accusations – often using torture – are commonplace.

Mr Hosseini’s attorney said in a tweet in December that his client was beaten until he lost consciousness and was electrocuted.

Mohammad Mehdi Karami
Picture:
Mohammad Mehdi Karami was another man executed

The Revolutionary Court also did not allow the defendants to see the evidence against them or choose their own lawyers.

Human rights group Amnesty International said the trials “do not resemble a meaningful judicial proceeding”.

Three others were sentenced to death in the same case and 11 were jailed.

Allegations of ‘corruption on earth’

Along with the murder, the pair were found guilty of “corruption on Earth” – a Koranic term that carries a death sentence often used against opponents of the Iranian regime.

Two other men were executed in December after being accused of involvement in the protests.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (right) has appointed a new hardline police chief (left).  Photo: AP
Picture:
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (right) has appointed a new hardline police chief (left). Photo: AP

Iran’s activist group HRANA says at least 16 people have been sentenced to death for the protests, with 517 people killed in violence and more than 19,200 arrested.

Live ammunition, birdshots, tear gas and batons are all believed to have been used against protesters.

Many women attended the protests – often without the mandatory headscarf related to Ms. Amini’s death.

Meanwhile, a new hard-line police chief was appointed on Saturday, according to the official news agency IRNA.

General Ahmad Reza Radan was chosen by the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and is known for his harsh treatment of protesters during the 2009 election protests.

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