Iran executes 3 men tied to anti-govt. protests

Despite objections from human rights groups, Iran has executed three men accused of deadly violence against security officers during last year’s anti-government protests. The men were convicted of “moharebeh” and cooperating with a Europe-based group that Tehran considers a “terrorist” organisation. The Supreme Court said it saw no credible reason to accept their appeal cases as they aimed to “overthrow the holy Islamic Republic establishment” and also engaged in arson during “riots”. The protests began in mid-September 2022 after the death of a 22-year-old who was arrested by “morality police” in Tehran for allegedly not adhering to a mandatory dress code for women. The demonstrations have largely subsided in recent months, though there are still sporadic acts of defiance. Foreign-based human rights organisations say more than 500 people died during the unrest. The three men were subjected to torture, forced into televised confessions, and denied due process, according to human rights groups.