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Iran Publicly Executes 19-Year-Old Wrestler and Two Others Tied to January Protests

Rights groups say the public hangings followed coerced confessions after fast‑tracked trials.

Overview

  • Saleh Mohammadi, Mehdi Ghasemi and Saeed Davoudi were executed in Qom after convictions for killing two police officers during January 8 unrest and for moharebeh, or waging war against God.
  • Iranian judiciary and state media said the death sentences were upheld by the Supreme Court and carried out in public.
  • NGOs including Iran Human Rights and Amnesty International dispute the evidence, alleging torture, denial of independent counsel and unfair proceedings.
  • The U.S. State Department had urged Tehran to halt Mohammadi’s execution, while athlete‑advocates are pressing the IOC and United World Wrestling for sanctions.
  • Monitors say these were the first announced executions linked to the January protests and warn of a broader campaign intended to intimidate society.