Arabic version: إيران تنفذ إعدامات لأعضاء مجموعة المعارضة

Iran has executed two men convicted of being members of the banned People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) on Saturday morning, following the Supreme Court’s confirmation of their sentences. The men, Abolhassan Montazer and Vahid Baniamerian, were convicted of PMOI/MEK membership and “armed rebellion through involvement in multiple terrorist acts”. This marks a continuation of Iran’s crackdown on dissent during an ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel, which began on February 28.

According to Al Jazeera, the executions occurred shortly after four other PMOI/MEK members were hanged on March 30 and 31. The group has faced persecution since it fell out of favor with Iran’s leadership after initially supporting the 1979 Islamic revolution.

Rights organizations like Amnesty International have condemned these executions, highlighting allegations of torture and the abrupt transfer of prisoners before their deaths. The organization labeled the executions as part of a broader strategy by the Iranian government to intimidate dissenters.

The PMOI/MEK has responded to the executions by asserting that such actions will only strengthen the resolve of opposition groups within Iran. Activists have raised concerns about the potential for more executions, particularly of individuals arrested during recent mass protests against the regime.

As the situation develops, the international community continues to monitor Iran’s use of the death penalty as a tool of repression against its citizens, particularly during a time of heightened conflict and unrest.