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Iran court issues first death penalty for protestor arrested during nationwide Mahsa Amini protests – JURIST

An Iranian court in Tehran Monday sentenced the first Mahsa Amini protestor to death. Iran’s Revolutionary Court found the protestor guilty of “enmity against God” after he was arrested for setting fire to a government building.According to Mizan, a state-linked news source for Iran’s judiciary, the court charged the unnamed protestor with disturbing public order and peace, community and conspiracy to commit a crime against national security, as well as war and corruption in the land. Specifically, the Revolutionary Court found the protestor guilty of committing moharebeh (enmity against god) and efsad-fil-arz (corruption on earth).Since the Mahsa Amini protest began, many citizens have been detained and denied legal representation. The protestor’s death sentence is the latest development and the first of its kind handed down in connection with the protests. In early November, a majority vote of Iranian lawmakers called for the judiciary to “decisively deal” with protestors. 277 of 290 members encouraged the use of the death penalty in such situations.Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, Director of the Human Rights Activist News Agency (HRANA) called for international assistance:The international community must strongly warn the Islamic Republic of the consequences of executing protesters. Summoning their ambassadors and implementing stronger effective human rights action against state officials are amongst the consequences European countries must considerOn November 12, the HRANA reported that Iranian security forces caused the death of 326 people in connection with the Mahsa Amini protests. 22 provinces of Iran have recorded deaths of protestors, with the majority located in Sistan and Baluchistan. The HRANA warned of “the possibility of hasty executions without any prewarning” of other protestors who are currently detained or awaiting to be charged. The organization urged for the international community to carry out “urgent action before it is too late.”