The judiciary of Iran’s regime announced the execution of three individuals detained during the nationwide protests in January; among them, the execution of Saleh Mohammadi, a teenage wrestler, has sparked widespread reactions due to allegations of torture and forced confessions.
As the wave of executions continues alongside wartime conditions, the judiciary announced that three detainees from the January 8 protests—Saleh Mohammadi, Saeed Davoudi, and Mehdi Ghasemi—were executed at dawn on Thursday, March 19. These three were executed amid reports that confessions were extracted under torture and that their cases were handled rapidly, raising concerns about violations of the defendants’ rights.
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Official announcement of the execution of Saleh Mohammadi
Mizan News Agency, affiliated with the judiciary of Iran’s regime, reported that three detainees from the January 8 protests were executed on charges of killing two security agents of the regime in the city of Qom. According to the report, the names of those executed are Mehdi Ghasemi, Saleh Mohammadi, and Saeed Davoudi.
According to this source, these individuals had been convicted on charges including “enmity against God” (moharebeh), and the process of their arrest, interrogation, and judicial proceedings was carried out swiftly. Judicial authorities emphasized that the defendants confessed to their crimes at various stages of interrogation and trial.
The execution of Saleh Mohammadi has drawn particular attention. He was a young wrestler who had won a medal in international freestyle wrestling competitions in Russia in 2024 and had only recently turned 19.
Saleh Mohammadi was arrested on January 15, just days after the nationwide protests. His case is one of several that were processed rapidly in connection with the protests.
According to reports, the process from his arrest to the issuance of the death sentence was completed in a short period, raising questions about adherence to fair trial standards
Allegations of torture and forced confessions
One of the most significant issues raised in Saleh Mohammadi’s case is the allegation that his confessions were obtained under torture. Reports indicate that he was forced to confess against himself during interrogation and preliminary investigations.
Saleh Mohammadi stated in court that his confessions were obtained under pressure and torture, but the court rejected this claim and relied on his confessions as one of the main pieces of evidence in the case.
The court also cited crime scene reconstructions and eyewitness reports. However, the issue of forced confessions has been raised in many cases related to the nationwide protests, with numerous reports indicating pressure on detainees to confess.
Executions amid war; a signal of intensified repression
The recent executions have taken place while the country is simultaneously engaged in war and under bombardment. Carrying out death sentences under such circumstances conveys a message of intensified internal control and repression.
While public attention is focused on wartime developments, the implementation of harsh sentences, including executions, is interpreted as a tool to contain protests and create a deterrent atmosphere in society.
Rapid legal process and growing concerns
One notable aspect of Saleh Mohammadi’s case is the speed of the judicial process. From arrest to execution, the process was brief, which may have prevented thorough examination of the case and full access by the defendant to his legal rights.
Additionally, reports have emerged regarding restrictions on the defendants’ access to independent legal counsel and a lack of transparency in the judicial process, further increasing concerns.
