Tehran, Iran – On Wednesday, Iran’s judiciary announced the execution of Mehdi Khanaki, identified as an "active element of a terrorist group" arrested during nationwide protests in January 2026. State television broadcasted a raid on a home in Karaj near Tehran where handguns, ammunition, and explosives were allegedly seized. Khanaki was tried by a revolutionary court for "operational action in favour of the Zionist regime, the United States and hostile groups."

On Sunday, two additional men were executed in connection with a 16-defendant case related to deadly protests in Isfahan on January 8. Authorities accused them of involvement in the killing of several police officers. However, foreign-based activists have challenged the state narrative, alleging a lack of due process and the use of torture. They also dispute reports from Amnesty International and other human rights organizations that Iranian security forces conducted "mass unlawful killings on an unprecedented scale" amid a total internet and communications blackout.

These prosecutions and executions follow a law passed after the 12-day war with Israel in June 2025, designed to impose harsher penalties for espionage and actions deemed to undermine national security by cooperating with "enemies."

Earlier this week, Mojtaba Khamenei, appointed Iran’s new supreme leader in March following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in the war’s opening salvo, called for a "sacred unity" among the populace and political factions. Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei reinforced this message during a televised meeting with President Masoud Pezeshkian and senior clerical judges, emphasizing it with strong religious undertones.

Iran’s judiciary frames these actions as part of a campaign against those accused of attempting to "create divisions" during the ongoing conflict with the United States.

Sources