Reuters.
(Theran, Iran) – Iran has executed three men accused of killing police officers during nationwide protests earlier this year, according to multiple reports, marking the first confirmed executions tied directly to the January demonstrations.
Two sources confirmed that 19-year-old wrestler Saleh Mohammadi—described as a member of Iran’s national wrestling community—was among those put to death. The other two men were identified as Mehdi Ghasemi and Saeed Davoudi. All three were reportedly hanged in the city of Qom after being convicted of “waging war against God,” a capital offense under Iranian law.
Authorities alleged the men were involved in the “قتل” of two police officers and carried out actions in support of foreign adversaries, including the United States and Israel. Iran’s judiciary said the convictions were tied to violent activity during the protests that swept the country in January.
However, international human rights organizations have strongly condemned the executions, raising serious concerns about due process. Groups including Amnesty International and the Norway-based Iran Human Rights organization say the men were denied fair trials and that their confessions were obtained under torture.
According to activists, Mohammadi had only recently turned 19 and was a promising athlete who had competed internationally. Advocacy groups say he was denied adequate legal defense and forced into confessions during what they described as rushed proceedings lacking basic judicial standards.
The executions come amid heightened tensions in the region following escalating conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. Rights groups warn that the ongoing war could be used as cover for a broader wave of executions targeting protesters and political prisoners.
“We are deeply concerned about the risk of mass executions,” Iran Human Rights said in a statement, adding that such actions may be intended to “spread fear in society” amid continued unrest.
The January protests began over rising living costs before evolving into widespread anti-government demonstrations across the country. Rights organizations estimate that thousands were killed during the crackdown, though official figures from Tehran put the death toll at over 3,000, including security personnel and civilians.
Iran’s judiciary has signaled a hardline approach moving forward, warning there will be “no leniency” for those accused of violent acts during the protests. Human rights monitors say hundreds more individuals remain at risk of facing capital punishment in connection with the unrest.
Iran remains one of the world’s leading executioners, second only to China, according to international watchdogs, with at least 1,500 executions reported last year alone.
