Iran Executes Two Young Men for January Protest Involvement

Two young individuals, Mohammadamin Biglari, aged 19, and Shahin Vahedparast Kalour, 30, have been executed in Iran for their involvement in the January protests. The executions reportedly took place at dawn on Sunday, April 5, at Ghezel Hesar Prison.

They were among at least 25 men reportedly facing execution after being arrested during anti-government demonstrations in January, with several others reportedly killed in the preceding week.

Mahmoud Amiry-Moghaddam, director of Iran Human Rights, issued a warning that further executions could occur if pressure is not exerted on the Iranian regime. He stated that these executions, happening amid broader conflict, are a deliberate strategy by the government to instill fear in the Iranian populace and deter further protests.

"The Islamic Republic’s main threat is not foreign bombs - it is the Iranian people demanding fundamental change," Amiry-Moghaddam said, expressing concerns for the safety of other political prisoners and detained protesters in the coming days and weeks.

The families of Mr. Biglari and Mr. Kalour were reportedly not permitted final visits or farewells before the executions were carried out.

The two men were apprehended on January 8 and accused of arson in connection with a fire at a base belonging to the Basij paramilitary force.

According to reports, Mr. Biglari's father had searched for his son among thousands of deceased individuals for three weeks, despite his own ill health, before learning of his son's detention.

Following weeks of detention, during which there are widespread allegations of torture, the individuals allegedly provided confessions before appearing before the Revolutionary Court in Tehran on February 6.

Both were convicted of 'Moharebeh,' translating to 'enmity against God,' and received death sentences from Judge Abolghassem Salavati, often referred to as 'Death Judge.'

Others convicted of the same charge by Salavati on the same day include Abolfazl Siavashani, 51; Shahab Zohdi, 38; Ali Fahim, 23; Yaser Rajaifar; and Amirhossein Hatami, 18.

Amirhossein Hatami, described as a talented musician, was executed the previous Wednesday.

There are now significant concerns for the safety of Mr. Fahim and Mr. Siavashani, who, along with Mr. Biglari and Mr. Kalour, were reportedly moved to solitary confinement in preparation for execution the week prior, according to Mail Online.