Iran sentences man to death on espionage charges

An Iranian court has sentenced Mehdi Khanaki to death on charges of espionage and involvement in what authorities described as an anti-government militant group, according to state media.

The report, carried by IRIB, said Khanaki was accused of spying for the United States and Israel, as well as acting against Iran’s national security.

Investigators said Khanaki was detained on January 21 in Alborz Province. During a search of his residence, authorities allegedly seized five pistols, 90 rounds of ammunition, nine magazines, remote detonators, 11 improvised grenades, 12 stun devices, 30 improvised grenade launchers, and materials used to produce high-powered explosives.

According to the investigation, Khanaki admitted during interrogation that he had been affiliated with a banned radical organisation since 2022 and had acted against “Iran’s national security.”

Authorities also allege that shortly before mass protests erupted in December last year, he received firearms and communications equipment via concealed caches in the cities of Karaj and Mahdasht, acting on instructions from his handlers.

By Tamilla Hasanova