On 8 December 2022, Iranian authorities executed Mohsen Shekari, a 23-year-old protester, after convicting him of “waging war against God” in connection with the mass demonstrations sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini. His execution marked the first officially confirmed death sentence carried out against someone who had taken part in the protests.
The trial was held in Tehran’s Revolutionary Court and widely condemned as unfair. Observers noted it lasted only briefly, denied Shekari the right to proper defence, and relied on forced confessions.
At the same time, Kurdish artist Saman Yasin, a rapper known for politically critical songs, was sentenced to death on similar charges. He was arrested on 2 October 2022 for posting music that criticised the government. His trial was also held behind closed doors without access to his chosen lawyer.
Reports say that Yasin and other detained artists were tortured and held in solitary confinement. Another well-known rapper, Toomaj Salehi, was also indicted on charges carrying the death penalty after publishing videos supporting the protests.
These cases highlight how Iran has used executions, torture, and threats of the death penalty not only against street demonstrators but also against Kurdish and Iranian artists who lend their voices to the protest movement.
Source: https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/12/1131537
