Iran Executes Three Men Accused of Collaborating With Israel and US During Protests

Iranian authorities have executed three men convicted of involvement in activities allegedly linked to Israel, the United States and other anti-government groups during nationwide protests earlier this year.

The executions of Hassan Divband, Hamid Kazemi and Reza Zanganeh were carried out on Sunday, November 8, following the confirmation of their death sentences by the country's Supreme Court, according to Iran's judiciary.

The judiciary's official news platform, Mizan Online, reported that the three men were found guilty of participating in operational activities on behalf of Israel, the United States and groups considered hostile to the Iranian government.

According to the report, the defendants allegedly used Molotov cocktails, grenades, firearms and bladed weapons during the unrest. They were also accused of setting fire to public facilities in Karaj, a city located west of the capital, Tehran.

Other individuals prosecuted in connection with the case reportedly received prison sentences ranging from five to 10 years.

The demonstrations initially began in December amid growing public frustration over the rising cost of living. However, the protests quickly expanded into a nationwide movement challenging the Iranian government, reaching their peak on January 8 and 9.

Iranian authorities said more than 3,000 people were killed during the unrest, blaming the violence on what they described as terrorist activities allegedly supported by Israel and the United States.

However, international human rights organisations based outside Iran have reported higher death tolls, accusing Iranian security forces of using deadly force against demonstrators.

The latest executions come amid growing concerns over the increasing use of capital punishment in Iran, particularly since the outbreak of the Middle East conflict triggered by US and Israeli military strikes against the Islamic Republic in late February.

The executions are likely to intensify international scrutiny of Iran's human rights record and its treatment of individuals accused of participating in anti-government activities.