Iran protests: Tehran court Issues first death sentence linked to recent protests

An ongoing series of protests and civil unrest against the government of Iran began in Tehran on 16 September 2022 as a reaction to the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini (Persian: مهسا امینی),

who had been arrested by the Guidance Patrol for wearing an “improper” hijab — in violation of Iran’s mandatory hijab law — while visiting Tehran from Saqqez.

According to eyewitnesses, Amini had been severely beaten by Guidance Patrol officers, an assertion denied by Iranian authorities.

Iran protests: Tehran court Issues first death sentence linked to recent protests

A court in Iran has issued the first death sentence to a person arrested for taking part in the protests that have engulfed the country, state media say.

A Revolutionary Court in Tehran found the defendant, who was not named, had set fire to a government facility and was guilty of “enmity against God”.

Another court jailed five people for between five and 10 years on national security and public order charges.

A human rights group warned authorities might be planning “hasty executions”.

At least 20 people are currently facing charges punishable by death, Norway-based Iran Human Rights said, citing official reports.

Its director, Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, called on the international community to take urgent action and “strongly warn the Islamic Republic of the consequences of executing protesters”.