Iran Upholds Two Death Sentences Over Protests
Sumaira FH Published January 04, 2023 | 02:00 AM
Tehran, Jan 3 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 4th Jan, 2023 ) :Iran on Tuesday upheld two death sentences for the killing of a paramilitary during nationwide protests, the judiciary said, but ordered retrials for three others on death row in the same case.
The Supreme Court's decision came after a lower court sentenced an 18-year-old to death in a separate case related to the protests sparked by the death in custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini on September 16.
Following a review, the appeals of Mohammad Mahdi Karami and Seyed Mohammad Hosseini "were not found to be valid, so their sentences were upheld and approved," the Supreme Court said in a statement.
The death sentences against co-accused Hamid Ghare-Hasanlou, Hossein Mohammadi and Reza Aria were overturned "due to the existence of defects in the proceedings," the court said, adding that they would now be retried.
Amnesty International said Ghare-Hasanlou, a doctor, and his wife had been "caught up in the chaos" which resulted in the paramilitary's death.
Prosecutors said that Ruhollah Ajamian, a member of the Basij paramilitary force, was stripped naked and killed in Karaj, west of Tehran, on November 3 during a commemoration for slain protester, Hadis Najafi.
The court also ordered retrials for 11 other defendants handed lengthy prison terms in the case.
The supreme court decision came as a lower court sentenced Mehdi Mohammadifard to death after convicting him of the capital offences of "corruption of earth" and "enmity against God", the judiciary's Mizan Online news website said.
Mohammadifard was found guilty of "committing arson, destroying public property, colluding and conspiring to commit a crime against the country's security and inciting people to cause insecurity," Mizan said.
Human rights groups outside Iran have said that Mohammadifard is 18 years old and was accused of torching a traffic police kiosk in the western town of Nowshahr.
He too can appeal to the supreme court.
Iran has been rocked by protests and unrest since the the death Amini, an Iranian Kurdish woman who was arrested for allegedly violating the country's strict dress code for women.
The authorities say hundreds of people, including members of the security forces, have been killed in what they describe as "riots". Thousands have been arrested.
Iran's courts have handed down 13 death sentences in connection with the protests, five of them for Ajamian's killing.
Two convicts were hanged in December. Mohsen Shekari and Majidreza Rahnavard, both 23, had been convicted of separate attacks on the security forces.
The Supreme Court has rejected the appeals of two other death row prisoners, Mohammad Boroghani and Mohammd Ghobadlou, also convicted of attacks on the security forces. It has ordered six retrials.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Bugti assures transporters for addressing their problems
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammad Ishaq Dar meets foreign min ..
3 drug peddlers arrested, hashish recovered
1496,990 children given polio drops in five days: DC
Six terrorists killed, hideout busted in N Waziristan IBO: ISPR
Pakistan, Qatar agree to further expand trade, investment ties
Sindh cabinet approves Rs177.5m to strengthen, mobilize various wings of police
Faisal Karim Kundi takes oath as new KP Governor
Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Anwaar ul Haq Chaudhry seeks more vibrant ..
Tahaffuz Manzil Foster Home providing care & support to homeless children
PCB proposes April 7 -May 20 window; tweaks in rules for HBL PSL 2025
Field hospitals now operational across Punjab: Azma Bukhari
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
American band promotes intercultural harmony thru music fusions
18 hours ago -
Waste Management – A persistent challenge for MWMC
2 days ago -
Experts for ending child labour
4 days ago -
Labour Day - A reminder for better facilities to workers
4 days ago -
Stage Drama Mohabati Manhoon presents in Arts council Larkana
6 days ago -
Wheat farmers in a fix on price, procurement mechanism
7 days ago
-
Modern tools to help transform crime investigation procedures
7 days ago -
Sanam Marvi captivates audience with mesmerizing performance
8 days ago -
Modern Education Techniques: A pathway to achieve economic development
9 days ago -
Kite Flying: From cultural festival to deadly sport
9 days ago -
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
12 days ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
13 days ago