Iran executes two men arrested during anti-government protests

Iran has executed two men who were arrested during nationwide anti-government protests earlier this year, according to the judiciary's official news outlet, Mizan News.

The men, identified as Mehrdad Mohammadinia and Ashkan Maleki, were sentenced to death on charges including setting fire to a mosque in Tehran, damaging public property, clashing with security forces and blocking roads during demonstrations in January, Caliber.Az reports via Iranian media.

The judiciary said the death sentences were upheld by the Supreme Court before being carried out on June 1.

Mizan News published what it described as a confession by Maleki, alleging that the pair entered the courtyard of a mosque in Tehran's Gisha district and ignited gasoline that had spilled from overturned motorcycles.

Human rights organisations have criticised Iran's handling of protest-related cases, arguing that authorities frequently rely on forced confessions and expedited judicial proceedings. Iranian officials have rejected such allegations and maintain that defendants receive fair trials under the law.

By Sabina Mammadli