Iran executes first death row inmate for taking part in protests
Tehran, Dec 8 (EFE).- The Iranian authorities announced on Thursday the first execution of a prisoner sentenced to death for participating in the protests that have shaken the country since mid-September.
Mohsen Shekari was executed early morning, after being sentenced to death on Nov.29 for injuring a Basij militia guard with a knife, blocking a street and creating terror in Tehran, according to Mizan agency of the judiciary.
The militia member supposedly needed 13 stitches after the attack.
These acts led to his conviction for “waging war against God”, which is punishable by death, as has been the case here.
Mizan said that during the trial the executed person had confessed to having received “payments” for attacking law enforcement officials.
Shekari is the first demonstrator to be executed for his participation in the protests that have shaken Iran since Mahsa Amini’s death in mid-September.
Amini is known to have died in custody after being arrested by the moral police for not wearing the Islamic veil properly.
The revolts, which began with the death of the 22-year-old Kurdish girl, have evolved significantly with the protesters now calling for the end of the Islamic Republic founded by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1979.
The judicial authorities have so far sentenced 11 people to death, and an unknown number to prison terms for their participation in the protests.
The nonprofit Amnesty International has reported that at least 28 of the 2,000 people charged in the protests face death penalties.
In the nearly three months of protests, more than 400 people have been killed and at least 15,000 arrested, according to Oslo-based NGO Iran Human Rights. EFE
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