Iran sues anti-government protesters to death: Report | World news
Iran’s Revolutionary Court has sentenced one anti-government activist to death and handed down prison terms to five others, media reported on Sunday, amid the country’s ongoing unrest.
The verdict is likely to be the first death sentence in the trials of those arrested for participating in the protests that have gripped Iran in recent weeks demanding an end to clerical rule.
Mizan, a news website linked to Iran’s judiciary, said the death sentence followed on charges of protesters setting fire to a government building. The five prison terms ranged from five to 10 years and accused of violating national security and public order.
Mizan said that separate branches of the Revolutionary Court issued the verdicts but did not share further details of the protesters on trial, who could appeal the decisions.
The court was established following the Islamic Revolution of 1979 and is known for harshly punishing those who oppose Iran’s clerical authorities.
Iran has already filed charges against hundreds of detained protesters saying it will hold public trials for them.
Anti-government protests have entered their eighth week and were sparked by the death in custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was detained after allegedly violating the country’s strict dress code for women.
Judicial authorities have announced charges against hundreds of people in other Iranian provinces. Some have been accused of “corruption on earth” and “war against God,” crimes punishable by death.
Security forces, including paramilitary volunteers with the Revolutionary Guard, have cracked down on the demonstrations, killing 300 people, including dozens of children, according to Oslo-based Iran Human Rights. Iranian authorities say more than 40 security forces have also been killed in clashes across the country.
Although the protests initially focused on Iran’s mandatory wearing of the headscarf, or hijab, they have since turned into one of the biggest challenges to the ruling clerics since the turbulent years following the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
