In a recent development, Iran has reportedly executed three men and one woman over their purported affiliations with Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, as per sources linked to the country’s judiciary.
As disclosed by Mizan, the judiciary’s official news agency, “Four individuals associated with a sabotage cell linked to the Zionist regime were hanged earlier today” in West Azerbaijan province located in northwestern Iran. The executed individuals were identified as Vafa Hanareh, Aram Omari, Rahman Parhazo, and Nasim Namazi. They faced severe charges including “moharebeh” (waging war against God) and causing “corruption on Earth” due to their alleged collaboration with Israel.
The Mizan report further stated that the group undertook significant actions detrimental to Iran’s security, all while being guided by Mossad. The executed individuals were charged with activities such as kidnapping Iranian security personnel for intelligence purposes and arson attacks on properties linked to agents.
While a few others associated with this group received a 10-year jail term, detailed information remains undisclosed by Mizan.
According to IRNA, the state-operated news agency, Iranian intelligence closely monitored this group for approximately four months from January 2022 until their detention in May, when they were reportedly brought back from a neighboring nation.
Relations between Iran and Israel remain strained, with Iran consistently alleging Israel’s involvement in sabotaging its nuclear endeavors. Notably, on December 16, another individual accused of Mossad ties was executed in Sistan-Baluchistan province.
International bodies such as Amnesty International have criticized Iran’s high execution rates, placing it second only to China in annual figures. As per data, more than 600 individuals have been executed in Iran this year alone, marking an eight-year record, as highlighted by the Iran Human Rights group based in Norway.
Furthermore, recent unrest in Iran, including anti-government protests, has led to the issuance and execution of death sentences, emphasizing the nation’s stringent stance on internal dissent.
