Iran executes two convicted of arson and rioting in January protests

Iran executed two individuals on Monday who were convicted of involvement in foreign-backed riots that took place in January. The executed individuals, identified as Mehrdad Mohammadinia and Ashkan Maleki, were found guilty of setting fire to a mosque, damaging public property, and violently clashing with law enforcement personnel.

According to judicial documents and their own confessions, the two were among the main perpetrators of an arson attack on the Jafari Mosque in Tehran's Gisha neighborhood. Their death sentences were carried out after the completion of judicial proceedings and final approval by the Supreme Court.

The January protests began as peaceful demonstrations by merchants in Tehran and other cities, driven by economic hardships exacerbated by years of Western sanctions. Iranian authorities acknowledged the legitimacy of the protesters' demands but stated that the demonstrations were hijacked by rioters supported by leaders from the United States and Israel, who incited vandalism and chaos.

Officials claimed that several of these rioters were armed, trained, and recruited by spy agencies from the US and Israel to provoke violence, destroy public property, and target civilians and security personnel. Iran's Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs reported that 3,117 individuals died during the riots, including 2,427 innocent civilians and members of security forces. The statement added that many victims were bystanders and protesters killed by gunfire from organized terrorist groups.

According to Mehr News Agency, the executions were carried out on Monday morning following the completion of legal procedures.