Iran has executed three men accused of participating in armed violence during the January anti-government protests, according to reports by Iranian state media.
The executed men were identified as Hassan Dioband, Hamid Kazemi and Reza Zanganeh. Authorities accused them of using firearms, grenades and bladed weapons during the unrest in Karaj, a city west of Tehran.
Iran’s state news agency, Tasnim, reported that the men also threw Molotov cocktails and set fire to public facilities.
The executions represent the latest cases involving individuals convicted over the nationwide demonstrations. Previous executions have involved people accused of maintaining links with Israel and the United States.
According to Tasnim, Iran’s Supreme Court upheld the convictions before the authorities carried out the death sentences.
The three men were found guilty of participating in operational activities allegedly carried out on behalf of Israel, the United States and other hostile groups.
Authorities also linked the alleged violence to damage at an electricity substation in Karaj, which reportedly caused power outages in parts of the city.
Dioband was arrested on January 11 after investigators identified him as a suspect in attacks on public property and alleged incitement to violence.
Security agencies subsequently arrested 10 other people accused of participating in the unrest under his supervision.
Reuters reported that the 10 suspects received prison sentences ranging from five to 10 years.
January Protests Spark Fresh Human Rights Concerns
The demonstrations began in December last year amid growing public frustration over the rising cost of living.
However, the protests quickly expanded into a nationwide anti-government movement, reaching their peak on January 8 and 9.
Iranian authorities reported more than 3,000 deaths during the unrest, blaming the violence on what they described as terrorist activities organised by the United States and Israel.
However, human rights organisations based outside Iran reported higher death tolls. The BBC also received several accounts from Iranians alleging that security forces opened fire on unarmed demonstrators.
The latest executions have renewed concerns over Iran’s use of capital punishment against people convicted in connection with political unrest.
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk previously expressed concern over the growing number of executions in the country.
In August, Türk said at least 56 people had been executed on national security-related charges since March 19. He noted that 27 of those cases were connected to the January protests.
Iran remains one of the world’s leading users of the death penalty, with China believed to be the only country carrying out more executions.
Amnesty International reported that Iran executed at least 2,159 people last year, the highest annual figure recorded by the organisation since 1981.
The human rights group also said the figure included 45 executions involving individuals accused of national security-related offences.