Iran Executes Teen Wrestling Champion Over Sham Trial Amid Protests
Image Source: Internet
Iran executed Saleh Mohammadi, a 19-year-old wrestling champion, along with two others, Mehdi Ghasemi and Saeed Dovoudi, after accusing them of killing police officers during protests in Qom on January 8.
The trio was charged with 'enmity against God' and alleged ties to Israel and the USA, claims often used against dissidents in the country.
According to Human Rights groups, the trials lacked due process, and involved forced confessions under torture and barred defence witnesses.
Mohammadi, a dual international wrestling champion, was denied 'adequate defence' and forced to make 'confessions' in fast-tracked proceedings.
Iran Human Rights expressed concern over the risk of mass executions of protesters and political prisoners, stating that the hangings are carried out to spread fear in the society.
The hangings are the first officially announced executions related to protests which broke out in the country in late December due to the rising cost of living.
