DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — On Saturday, Iran executed a man identified as Mehran Bahramian, who was accused of involvement in a deadly attack on security forces amidst the nationwide protests that erupted in 2022. According to the judiciary's official news agency, Mizan Online, Bahramian reportedly opened fire on a security vehicle in December 2022, killing one officer and injuring several others in Semirom county, located in Isfahan province. The execution followed a confirmation of the death sentence by Iran's Supreme Court.
This marked the 12th known execution linked to the 2022 protests, as reported by rights monitors. The demonstrations ignited after the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman, who died in police custody after being arrested for allegedly violating Iran's strict dress code. Amini's death spurred widespread protests against the Iranian government and its treatment of women.
In June, Iran executed another individual, Abbas Korkouri, who was convicted of shooting and killing seven people during the protests. These executions have raised significant international concern, with human rights monitors alleging that they are part of a larger strategy to suppress dissent and curb the growing opposition against the Iranian regime.
The Iranian government has been criticized for conducting these executions without proper legal processes, often behind closed doors, raising alarms about the authenticity of evidence presented in such cases. According to United Nations figures, Iran executed nearly 1,000 individuals in 2024 alone, ranking it among the countries with the highest execution rates globally.
Amnesty International, an organization actively campaigning against the death penalty, has cautioned that Iran may continue to execute individuals on death row for politically motivated charges. Following the secret execution of two men in July, Amnesty issued a statement emphasizing that these acts highlight the authorities' ruthless application of the death penalty as an instrument of political repression during national crises. The organization claimed that such actions are intended to crush dissent and instill fear within the populace.
The escalation of executions in Iran has become a focal point for international human rights advocates who urge global attention to the ongoing violations within the country. The situation remains precarious as the Iranian government continues to navigate dissent and protests with an iron fist, leading to a chilling atmosphere where many fear for their lives and freedom.
As the landscape of protests continues to evolve, the harsh responses—such as executions—seem to indicate the Iranian regime's unwillingness to tolerate opposition, furthering concerns over human rights practices in the country. The plight of activists, protestors, and everyday citizens caught in this cycle of violence and repression remains a critical issue drawing attention from both national and international stakeholders.
