6 protesters sentenced to death in Iran, were involved in anti-government protests

An Iranian court sentenced six people to death for their involvement in the killing of a Basij militia member during protests in 2022. These individuals are accused of involvement in the murder, although these charges are controversial, as there is no concrete evidence against the accused. These include Milad Armoon, Alireza Kafaei, Amir Mohammad Khosh Eghbal, Najran, Hossein Nemati and Alireza Barmarzpornak.

All of them have been sentenced under Qisas al-Nafs (Islamic retaliatory death penalty). However, this decision can be appealed. This case is related to the protests that took place after the death of Mahsa Amini, in which these six accused have been accused of killing Basij militia member Arman Alivardi.

This allegation was leveled against the protesters

The accused have been charged with several serious offences like murder, disturbing public peace etc. However, a video in this case went viral on social media in which Alivardi was seen covered in blood and a protester was kicking him. Government officials say that the protestors had stabbed Alivardi, but the accused have been denying these allegations. People living in Ekhbatan say that Alivardi was trying to enter the protests.

Government pressure on the judicial system is increasing

This case highlights that the judicial system in Iran is coming under increasing pressure from the ruling government and has become a new weapon to suppress opposition voices and protesters. Human rights organizations have also raised the issue that these accused were tortured and the trial against them lacked fairness.

pressure put on protesters

There have also been several incidents of Basij militias pressuring protesters in Ekbatan and breaking into apartments and causing property damage. As protests against the regime grow in Iran, resentment against the judicial system is also growing. Political activist Hossein Ronaghi has opposed these punishments, writing that the judiciary has become a weapon to silence opponents and protesters.

Human rights organizations also raised questions

On the other hand, human rights organizations believe that the trials related to demonstrations in Iran lack transparency and do not follow international legal standards. So far, several incidents of punishment related to demonstrations have come to light, in which nine people have been sentenced to death. These include names like Mohammad Mehdi Karami, Mohammad Ghobado, Mohan Sheikhri and Majidreza Rahanward. This tough attitude of Iran's judiciary has further increased the concerns about human rights violations.