Iran executes man arrested in Tehran demonstrations
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A protester holds a portrait of Mahsa Amini during a demonstration in Brussels in September against her death in police custody. Photo: Kenzo Tribouillard/AFP via Getty Images
Authorities in Iran executed a man in connection with months-long protests against the country's ruling party on Thursday, state media reported.
The big picture: It's believed to be the first execution in response to the protests, which were triggered by the Sept. 16 death in Tehran police custody of Mahsa Amini, 22, who was detained for wearing an "improper hijab," Iran's mandatory head covering.
- The Iranian judiciary-linked Mizan website claimed that the executed man, identified as Mohsen Shekari, had injured a security guard with a machete during unrest in Tehran.
- Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, the director of the Oslo-based activist group Iran Human Rights, was among the activists warning that the execution of the protester could be the first of many in the country.
What they're saying: "We are appalled by the execution of #MohsenShekari. Our message to Iran’s leadership is clear: End this brutal crackdown. We will continue to hold the Iranian regime accountable," Secretary of State Antony Blinken tweeted Thursday.
By the numbers: At least 475 protesters have been killed and 18,240 others detained in the unrest as Iranian authorities continue their crackdown, according to the latest figures from the Human Rights Activists' News Agency.
- "At least 28 people, including three children, could face execution in connection with nationwide protests as the Iranian authorities use the death penalty as a tool of political repression to instil fear among the public and end the popular uprising," Amnesty International reports.
- "At least six people have already been sentenced to death in sham trials."
Editor's note: This article has been updated with a statement from Secretary Blinken.
