Iran issues death sentences to 14 protesters in online proceedings

A court in Iran has sentenced 14 protesters to death over their participation in the recent unrest, with proceedings conducted online, sources familiar with the matter told Iran International.

According to the sources, the virtual hearings were overseen by Judge Abolghasem Salavati, head of Branch 15 of Iran’s Revolutionary Court. They said Salavati reviewed cases in groups of 14 defendants simultaneously.

The development comes amid calls from senior judicial officials to accelerate legal action against those involved in the protests. Iran’s Judiciary Chief, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, has urged authorities to expedite indictments against what he described as the “main protesters,” stressing that the public expects trials and punishment.

“We must not delay in issuing indictments related to the main elements of the disturbances,” Ejei said. He added that investigations in some cases may take longer because of the “multi-layered” nature of the alleged actions.

Rights groups report that tens of thousands of protesters have been detained during the ongoing uprising, with arrests continuing across the country.

By Vafa Guliyeva