Iran has executed a man accused of carrying out a mission on behalf of Israel intelligence services during mass protests earlier this year, according to the country judiciary. The execution marks the latest development in a wave of capital punishments that has intensified amid ongoing tensions involving Iran Israel and the United States.
The judiciary identified the man as Erfan Kiani stating that he was ed after the Supreme Court upheld his sentence. Authorities described him as a key operative allegedly acting under instructions from Mossad during unrest that took place in January in the central province of Isfahan.
Officials accused Kiani of multiple offenses including destruction of public and private property arson possession and use of Molotov tails carrying a bladed weapon blocking roads ing security personnel and spreading fear among the public. These charges were linked to demonstrations that Iranian authorities claim were influenced by foreign actors.
The execution follows another ing earlier in the week of a man convicted of belonging to a banned opposition group. Iranian officials continue to assert that the protests were orchestrated by Israel the United States and groups such as the People Mujahedin organization which remains outlawed in the country.
Since mid March authorities have executed at least nine individuals over charges connected to the protests reflecting a sharp increase in the use of the death penalty. The rise in executions comes during a broader period of conflict that began on February 28 escalating regional tensions.
Human rights organizations including Amnesty International have long criticized Iran use of capital punishment noting that the country ranks among the highest globally in executions second only to China.
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