The judiciary of Iran Monday announced the execution of protester Majidreza Rahnavard, who was hanged publicly in Mashhad. Rahnavard was arrested 23 days ago, following his involvement with the nationwide protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini.
According to Mizan, a state-linked news source for Iran’s judiciary, the Mashhad Revolutionary Court convicted Rahnavard of killing two members of the paramilitary Basij Resistance Force and injuring a further four. Presided over by Judge Mansouri, the protester was then sentenced to death and publicly killed on Monday, December 12.
Rahnavard’s execution is the second public killing to take place as a result of the protests in Iran, which have now spread to 161 cities in all 31 Iranian provinces. On December 8, protester Moshen Shekari was also publicly executed and at least nine protesters have been sentenced to death.
Norway based human rights organisation Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) have condemned the trial of Rahnnavard as a “grossly unfair process and show trial.” Director of the organisation, Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, commented on the events:
There are thousands of detained protesters, and a dozen death sentences already issued. There is a serious risk of mass-execution of protesters. Today’s execution must receive such a strong response as to deter the Islamic Republic leaders from more executions.
The organization called for international assistance, saying that “urgent action” is needed to prevent mass executions following these protests.