Iran executes three for police killings during anti-government protests

BD Digest Report

Iran has hanged three people convicted of killing police officers during anti-government protests.

The country’s Justice Department confirmed this information on Thursday.

According to international media reports, protests that began in late December last year to protest the rising cost of living gradually turned into a nationwide anti-government movement. It turned violent on January 8 and 9.

Iran’s judiciary website said three people were sentenced to death on Thursday for their involvement in the killings and working for foreign powers during the unrest in January. They were also charged with the serious crime of “maharebeh” – declaring war on God.

Authorities say the suspects were involved in the killing of at least two law enforcement officers. The government has described the violent incidents as “foreign-inspired riots.”

However, there is disagreement about the number of casualties. Iranian authorities have said that more than 3,000 people, including members of the security forces, were killed in the violence during that period.

On the other hand, US-based human rights organizations claim that the death toll could be more than 7,000, the majority of whom are protesters.