Iran has carried out a death sentence against a protester in what observers describe as a second public execution amid ongoing unrest. Majidrez Rakhnavard, who faced charges related to the killing of two security guards in Mashhad, was put to death after being detained by authorities as he attempted to depart the country. This development follows a pattern of punitive measures tied to the country’s demonstrations, drawing widespread international attention and concern for due process and human rights.
On 8 December, Iranian authorities reported the execution of another protester in Tehran, marking what officials described as the first confirmed case of such capital punishment in connection with the demonstrations. Mohsen Shekari was convicted of assaulting a law enforcement officer and obstructing a street, with investigators stating he attacked a security official with a machete and caused injuries during the incident. Human rights groups have raised questions about the proceedings and the fairness of trials in the wake of mass protests. Amnesty International has warned that dozens of individuals arrested in connection with the demonstrations could face the death penalty, highlighting concerns about legal safeguards and the scope of charges used in these cases.
Amid the crackdown, Iranian authorities have identified several figures linked to the protests, including individuals with histories in sports and public life. Amir Nasr-Azadani, a former football player who had been associated with teams such as Rah-Ahan, Traktor, and Gol-e Rayhan, remains under a death sentence as a result of his involvement in the protests. Observers note that the range of defendants spans not only violent offenses but also acts deemed as participation in demonstrations, raising questions about the consistency of judicial outcomes and the criteria used in sentencing.
International advocacy groups have documented a chilling effect across Iranian society, with Amnesty International and other human rights organizations estimating that at least 28 people detained for taking part in demonstrations could face execution. The pattern of arrests and possible capital punishment has intensified international calls for scrutiny of Iran’s human rights practices and for assurances that trials meet international standards, including access to legal representation and independent due process.
Some officials in Iran’s security and interior apparatus have offered casualty tallies related to the protests, reporting that hundreds of individuals have been killed in the course of recent riots. These figures are part of a broader narrative about the scale of the unrest that began after the death of a 22-year-old woman, Mahsa Amini, while she was in police custody. The Amini case has become a rallying point for demonstrators across the country, who accuse authorities of heavy-handed responses and of violating fundamental rights. As events have unfolded, residents and observers have called for accountability, reforms, and a de-escalation of violence on all sides.
In the international arena, observers emphasize the importance of transparent investigations, the protection of peaceful dissent, and the right of defendants to a fair trial. Analysts suggest that sustained attention from international human rights bodies and foreign governments could influence the information landscape inside Iran and contribute to a more accountable process. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing reports about arrests, charges, and sentences tied to the demonstrations and the government’s response.
Note: Coverage and figures regarding arrests, killings, and sentences are evolving. Observers and rights organizations continue to monitor developments closely and provide ongoing updates with attribution from credible sources such as Amnesty International and other reputable human rights groups.