Iran issues 3 more death sentences over protests

TEHRAN, Iran (AA) – A court in Tehran has sentenced three more protesters to death in connection with months-long protests over the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody, taking the total number of death penalties to five.

One of the protesters was sentenced for “attacking police officers”, in which a policeman was killed and several others were injured, the media reported.

He was accused of committing “corruption on earth”.

Another protester was accused of “drawing a cold weapon” and wounding a security guard, as well as “creating terror and insecurity for citizens”, it added.

He was sentenced on charges of moharebeh (waging war against God).

Another protester, who allegedly “attempted to close the street, prevent the movement of vehicles and cause terror”, and “damaged public property”, was also sentenced to death.

On Tuesday evening, a protester was sentenced to death for engaging in “street warfare”, the country’s judiciary said in a statement.

The verdicts are preliminary and can be challenged in the appeals court.

The US and the European Union have in recent weeks imposed a slew of sanctions on Iranian officials and entities over what they call a “brutal crackdown on protests”.

On Monday, EU foreign ministers approved a fresh package of sanctions against Iran, targeting 29 individuals and three entities for their role in the death of Amini.