Key facts
- Iran executed Mehdi Khaneki, a 26-year-old law graduate.
- The judiciary's Mizan news agency reported Khaneki was executed for "operational actions" benefiting Israel and the U.S.
Iran has executed Mehdi Khaneki, a 26-year-old law graduate, on charges linked to nationwide protests in January. The judiciary's Mizan news agency reported he was executed for actions benefiting Israel and the U.S., and for crimes during the protests. An opposition group claims he was tortured and a member of the People’s Mojahedin Organisation of Iran.
The execution highlights the Iranian regime's ongoing crackdown on dissent following the widespread protests and underscores the severe penalties faced by those accused of acting against the state, particularly those linked to groups considered hostile by the government.
Iran has executed Mehdi Khaneki, a 26-year-old law graduate, on charges linked to nationwide protests that occurred in January. The Iranian judiciary's official Mizan news agency reported that Khaneki was executed for "operational actions" that benefited Israel and the United States, as well as for alleged crimes during the January protests, including producing and possessing weapons.
The Paris-based National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), the political arm of the People’s Mojahedin Organisation of Iran (PMOI), stated that Khaneki was hanged for membership in the PMOI and for participating in protests in the city of Karaj. The NCRI also claimed Khaneki endured months of physical and psychological torture and that dozens of other PMOI members are on death row or face execution.
According to the NCRI, eight of its members were executed between March 30 and April 20, a period during which Mizan and Iranian media reported a total of 12 executions. The PMOI, also known as Mujahideen-e-Khalq, is banned in Iran.