Iran’s use of capital punishment rises amid conflict, with authorities citing espionage and unrest cases, even as international rights groups question trial fairness and due process.
People hold Iranian flags during a public gathering in Tehran | Xinhua via IANS
Iran on Monday carried out the execution of two men convicted of links with Israel’s intelligence agency Mossad, according to the judiciary, in what appears to be part of a series of capital punishments since the conflict with Israel and the United States escalated earlier this year.
The executions come against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire between Iran, Israel and the United States that has been in place since April 8, following weeks of hostilities that began on February 28. Despite the pause in fighting, Tehran has continued to enforce strict internal security measures.
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According to the judiciary’s Mizan Online, “The death sentences of Mohammad Masoom-shahi and Hamed Validi were carried out at dawn today.” The report described both men as “members of a spy network linked to Mossad”, but did not specify when they were detained.
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Authorities said the two had undergone training abroad, including in Iraq’s Kurdistan region, and were involved in planning attacks inside Iran. They were convicted on multiple charges, including the capital offence of “moharebeh”, or waging war against God, as well as “collaboration with hostile groups and the Zionist regime”.
The judiciary said their sentences had been upheld by the Supreme Court before being implemented.
The latest hangings are part of a broader pattern. Iran has carried out several executions since the conflict began, with authorities linking many of the cases to alleged espionage or security threats.
Two weeks ago, the judiciary said it had executed two other men convicted of trying to enter a military facility during unrest in January. The men reportedly attempted to access an armoury. The men, Mohammadamin Biglari and Shahin Vahedparast, were among four individuals facing the death penalty in that case, according to Amnesty International.
Iran remains one of the world’s most active users of capital punishment, ranking second globally after China, according to rights groups.
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