Iran executes 'enemy collaborator' amid protests

Iran has executed another man in connection with anti-government protests, according to the judiciary. Mohammed Amini Dehaghani, described by judicial authorities as a "collaborator of the enemy," was hanged on Wednesday after his sentence was confirmed by the Supreme Court.

Dehaghani was accused of throwing a Molotov cocktail in front of the governor's office in Dehaghan, central Iran, on January 9. The judiciary stated he ignited it, causing damage to public property and the local police station. He was found guilty of "corruption on earth" and "war against God" (Moharebeh), offenses punishable by death under Iran's interpretation of Sharia law.

Protests, initially sparked by high inflation, rapidly escalated into widespread anti-government demonstrations in late December. The unrest reportedly peaked on January 8 and 9. Iranian authorities acknowledged over 3,000 deaths, attributing the violence to "terrorist acts" orchestrated by the United States and Israel. In contrast, foreign human rights organizations reported a wave of repression resulting in thousands of fatalities.

Non-governmental organizations report that Iran carries out the death penalty more frequently than any country except China. Executions have reportedly increased since late February, particularly in connection with the January demonstrations.