Iran executes man for running over police in Karaj

Iran executed a man on Sunday for deliberately driving his car into police officers during unrest in Karaj, west of Tehran, according to the judiciary's Mizanonline news agency. The convict, identified as Shahram Sadeghi, was executed on Sunday morning after his death sentence was upheld by Iran's Supreme Court. The Karaj Islamic Revolution Court had handed down the death sentence and confiscation of his assets on charges of "taking operational action in favor of the Zionist regime, the US, and hostile groups."

On January 8, Sadeghi deliberately plowed his car into police officers at high speed near Golzar intersection in Karaj, injuring seven of them in the head, legs, arms, and eyes, and leaving one in a coma for three months. After the attack, Sadeghi fled the scene after setting his own vehicle on fire. He was later found at his hideout in a drug rehabilitation center. After the investigation was completed by the prosecutor's office, an indictment was issued against Sadeghi, whose case was heard by the Karaj Islamic Revolution Court in the presence of his lawyer.

The incident occurred during protests that erupted across Iran on January 8 and 9, which Iranian authorities said were hijacked by foreign-backed armed rioters and terrorists. The protests, initially over economic grievances, led to widespread destruction of shops, government institutions, and public service facilities, and resulted in thousands of casualties. Iranian authorities confirmed that American and Israeli spy agencies were directly involved, providing funding, training, and media support to the perpetrators.

According to a statement by Iran's Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans Affairs, a total of 3,117 people lost their lives during the riots, including 2,427 innocent civilians and security personnel. The execution of Sadeghi is part of Iran's judicial response to those involved in violent acts during the unrest. According to Mehr News Agency, the report by Mizanonline detailed the charges and the judicial process leading to the execution.