Irans Judiciary Vows Action Against Alleged Foreign Mercenaries

Iran Judiciary Announces Continued Crackdown on Accused Foreign Agents

Tehran, Iran – The Iranian judiciary has reaffirmed its commitment to taking decisive action against individuals accused of working for foreign interests. According to a state television report, authorities will continue to act decisively against those deemed enemies of the state without leniency.

Three men were executed in Mashhad on Monday, with confessions presented by judicial authorities. The men were labelled as agents of the Israeli intelligence service Mossad and leaders of riots during nationwide protests in January. The executions are linked to anti-establishment protests that took place amid a state-imposed internet shutdown, resulting in thousands of deaths.

Recent weeks have seen an increase in hangings, with many prisoners convicted of espionage for Israel and other national security charges. Security offences can lead to convictions under moharebeh, or “waging war against God”, and other sentences carrying the death penalty.

In addition to executions, Iranian authorities have confiscated assets belonging to individuals accused of anti-establishment activities. A recent announcement stated that authorities in Semnan province had seized the assets of 22 individuals deemed traitors to the nation and linked to Israel and hostile countries.

The judiciary maintains that judicial proceedings for those arrested in connection with protests are legal and executions are carried out after being approved by Supreme Court judges. However, foreign-based human rights organisations have raised concerns about prisoners not receiving fair trials and their families facing pressure to remain silent about arrests and executions.

Source: Al Jazeera