Iran executes three men over alleged violence during January protests

Iran has executed Hassan Dioband, Hamid Kazemi and Reza Zanganeh, whom state media accused of taking part in armed unrest during January’s anti-government protests. The cases matter amid a rise in executions linked to the demonstrations and concern from the UN human rights chief over the use of the death penalty.

State media said the men used weapons and explosives, set fire to public facilities in Karaj and acted on behalf of Israel, the United States and hostile groups; Iran’s Supreme Court upheld their convictions. The protests began over the cost of living in December and peaked on 8 and 9 January. Iranian authorities reported more than 3,000 deaths, while foreign-based groups gave higher estimates and the BBC received accounts of security forces firing on unarmed protesters. Amnesty International says Iran executed at least 2,159 people last year.