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Iran has executed a man accused of participating in anti-government protests and acting on behalf of Israel and the United States.
He was identified by Iranian authorities as Majid Adineh.
Iran’s judiciary said he had been convicted of “operational action in favour of hostile groups” during nationwide demonstrations that erupted late last year.
Adineh was also convicted of “deliberate arson, gathering and collusion with the intention of committing crimes against the country’s internal security,” according to a report by the judiciary’s Mizan Online website.
The Karaj Revolutionary Court sentenced him to death and ordered the confiscation of his property, citing evidence gathered during the investigation and statements he made, Mizan reported.
His appeal was rejected, and the Supreme Court upheld the death sentence. He was executed on Sunday morning, according to the report.
Adineh and another suspect were arrested on January 9 in Alborz province, west of Tehran.
Authorities said they were carrying a revolver and ammunition, two tasers, two tear gas canisters, a rechargeable chainsaw and a bottle of gasoline.
Credit: Reuters.
The protests began in late December over rising living costs and economic hardship, then expanded into widespread anti-government demonstrations. The unrest peaked on January 8 and 9.
Iranian authorities have blamed more than 3,000 deaths during the unrest on what they described as “terrorist acts” allegedly organised by the United States and Israel.
Adineh is among several people executed in connection with the protests as Iran has intensified the use of capital punishment amid heightened tensions in the region.
Executions have also been linked to the wider Middle East war, which began on February 28 with US and Israeli strikes against Iran.
Iran executed at least 1,639 people last year, according to Iran Human Rights, a Norway-based rights organisation, and Together Against the Death Penalty, based in Paris.
The figure was the highest recorded in Iran since 1989, the groups say.
Amnesty International says Iran carries out more executions than any country except China.
