Iran Executes Two Young Protesters, Sparking Fears of More Hangings
Iran has executed a teenage boy and a young man for their involvement in the January protests, raising alarm among human rights organizations about a potential wave of further hangings aimed at intimidating the population. Mohammadamin Biglari, aged 19, and Shahin Vahedparast Kalour, aged 30, were hanged at dawn on Sunday, April 5, at Ghezel Hesar Prison.
Background of the Executions
These executions come amid a broader crackdown on anti-regime demonstrators. Biglari and Kalour were among at least 25 men identified as being at risk following their arrests during the January protests. Reports indicate that more than half a dozen other protesters were killed just last week, highlighting the regime's harsh response to dissent.
Mahmoud Amiry-Moghaddam, the director of Iran Human Rights, issued a stark warning, stating that many more hangings are likely to occur unless international pressure is applied to the Iranian regime. He emphasized that these daily executions, carried out under the shadow of conflict, are part of a deliberate policy to terrorize the Iranian people and prevent new protests from emerging.
Details of the Cases
Both Biglari and Kalour were seized during the protests on January 8 and accused of arson related to a fire at a Basij paramilitary base. Their families were denied final visits and the opportunity to say goodbye before the executions took place. Biglari's father, despite poor health, spent three weeks searching through the bodies of thousands killed by the regime before learning that his son had been detained.
After weeks in prison, where there are extensive reports of torture, both men were brought before the feared Revolutionary Court in Tehran on February 6. They were convicted of 'Moharaebeh', which translates to 'enmity against God', and sentenced to death by Judge Abolghassem Salavati, often referred to as the 'Death Judge'.
Broader Implications and Concerns
On the same day, several other individuals were also convicted of capital charges by Judge Salavati, including Abolfazl Siavashani, 51, Shahab Zohdi, 38, Ali Fahim, 23, Yaser Rajaifar, and Amirhossein Hatami, 18. Amirhossein, a talented musician, was executed last Wednesday, adding to the growing toll.
There are now serious concerns for the safety of Ali Fahim and Abolfazl Siavashani, who were reportedly moved to pre-execution solitary confinement alongside Biglari and Kalour last week. This move suggests that they may face imminent execution, further escalating fears among human rights advocates.
Amiry-Moghaddam highlighted that the Islamic Republic's primary threat is not foreign bombs but the Iranian people themselves, who are demanding fundamental change. He expressed deep concern for the lives of political prisoners and hundreds of detained protesters in the coming days and weeks, urging global attention to prevent more tragedies.
The executions underscore the regime's use of the judicial system to suppress opposition and instill fear, with human rights groups calling for urgent action to protect those at risk and hold the Iranian authorities accountable for these severe violations.
