Iran apparently wants to execute more protesters

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Demonstrators against the Iranian regime on Friday in Bonn: "Say his name"

Photo: Ying Tang / NurPhoto / IMAGO

According to a report, at least 24 demonstrators in Iran face execution for their involvement in the system-critical protests.

23-year-old Mohsen Shekari, who was also on the list, was executed on Thursday.

The Iranian daily newspaper "Etemad" published on Saturday a list compiled by the judiciary on which 25 demonstrators were accused of "waging war against God".

According to Islamic legal opinion, this charge carries a death sentence.

Shekari is said to have attacked a member of the paramilitary Basij militia with a gun, causing terror and blocking a road.

The judiciary announced further executions.

"Etemad", on the other hand, appealed in the report to the judiciary to reverse the death sentences and prevent further executions.

Shekari's execution was sharply condemned at home and abroad.

Demonstrators gathered on the street where Shekari was arrested.

The message “Wait for our revenge” circulated on social media.

New demonstrations were also announced for the weekend.

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock had criticized the execution of the death penalty on Thursday as inhumane and announced a tough reaction from the European Union.

Further sanctions for human rights violations

International sanctions have already been imposed on Tehran in connection with the nuclear dispute.

The European Union now wants to further tighten its sanctions.

A total of almost 30 other responsible persons and institutions are to be included on the EU sanctions lists, as Brussels diplomats said on Friday.

It is about human rights violations on the one hand and Iranian drone deliveries to Russia on the other.

Iran has been in an acute economic crisis for more than four years.

Many are therefore hoping for an agreement in the nuclear dispute with the West.

According to observers, however, after the violent crackdown on the protests - and especially the first execution of a protester - such an agreement is very unlikely.

The Iranian leadership blames the alleged "enemies" of Iran - including Germany - and their "mercenaries" at home for the protests.

According to Tehran, the majority of Iranians still support the Islamic system and will ultimately defeat the "enemies" and end the protests.

On the streets, however, things are very different.

"Death to the dictator" and "We don't want an Islamic Republic (anymore)" can be heard from the demonstrators there.

The protests were triggered by the death of the young Kurd Jina Mahsa Amini on September 16th.

The 22-year-old died after being arrested by the vice squad because of an allegedly improperly worn headscarf.

Activists accuse the police of abusing the woman.

dpa/AFP/taf