DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — On Wednesday, Iran announced the execution of Babak Shahbazi, a man it accused of espionage for Israel. The Iranian judiciary's Mizan news agency reported that Shahbazi had allegedly collected sensitive information regarding Iranian data centers and security installations, which he purportedly sold to Israeli operatives. However, this claim has been disputed by various activist groups, who assert that Shahbazi was coerced into confessing through torture.
Activists contend that Shahbazi's arrest stemmed from his writing a letter to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in which he offered his assistance in the war against Russia. This claim is significant, as Iran has been supplying Russia with drones that have been utilized in attacks against Ukraine, highlighting the intricate geopolitical tensions at play.
The organization Iran Human Rights had previously warned that Shahbazi was at risk of execution. They noted that his message to President Zelenskyy, in which he sought to contribute to Ukraine’s efforts, was construed by Iranian authorities as espionage on behalf of Israel. Additionally, the activists mentioned that Iranian officials alleged Shahbazi received training in Microsoft Word from Israel, a claim that Iran has not confirmed.
While Iran has not provided specific details regarding the method of execution, it is widely known that condemned prisoners in the country are typically hanged. Shahbazi is one of at least eight individuals who have been executed for espionage in Iran since the onset of the recent hostilities with Israel. This alarming frequency of executions has raised concerns among activists, who fear that the Iranian government could embark on a broader campaign of capital punishment.
The conflict with Israel has escalated recently, with Israel conducting an air war against Iran that reportedly resulted in approximately 1,100 deaths, including numerous military commanders. In retaliatory actions, Iran has launched missile strikes targeting Israeli positions, further fueling tensions between the two nations.
Recent reports have indicated that Iran is executing individuals at an unprecedented rate in 2024, with figures suggesting at least 975 executions to date this year. A United Nations report has documented various human rights violations committed by the Iranian government, including barriers to freedom of expression, the use of torture, and arbitrary detention practices.
This series of events underscores the precarious situation in Iran, where the judiciary appears to be increasingly swift in its use of capital punishment, particularly in cases related to alleged espionage and dissent against the state. The international community is closely watching these developments, as they reflect a broader pattern of human rights abuses within the country.
