Iran is set to hold public trials for at least 1,000 detained protestors after recent demonstrations have occurred throughout the country.
The country’s judicial system announced it would initiate public trials for up to 1,000 people arrested in Tehran and more than 1,000 detained in other regions during the recent spark of protests across the nation.
“Those who intend to confront and subvert the regime are dependent on foreigners and will be punished according to legal standards,” Iran’s judiciary chief, Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Ejei, said. “Without a doubt, our judges will deal with the cases of the recent riots with accuracy and speed.”
“Even among the agitators, it should be clarified as to who had the intention of confronting the system and overthrowing it,” he added.
Tehran authorities have reportedly reiterated unsubstantiated allegations that foreign enemies of the country have encouraged the protests.
The protests started after Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman, died in custody after being arrested by “morality police” for allegedly wearing a “bad hijab.”
Thousands of people have been detained, and many have been taken to detention facilities.
One protestor was detained on a “corruption on earth” charge after attending an anti-government protest and was sentenced to execution after only one hearing, according to his mother.
“My son is only 22 years old and he is also ill. They deprived him of having a lawyer and do not allow lawyers to enter the court,” Ghobadlo’s mother said in an online video.
“They interrogated him without having access to a lawyer, and sentenced him to death after only one hearing. Is this Islamic justice? In which court of law do they sentence people to death after just one hearing? They are going to execute him soon. I ask people to help,” she added.
Global leaders have reacted to Iran’s intense crackdown on protesters, with German chancellor Olaf Scholz saying he was stunned by how many people were being violently and illegally detained. Germany’s foreign minister, Annalena Baerbock, has also said she is seeking European Union sanctions against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist group. Canada has said it would initiate more sanctions against top Iranian authorities and law enforcement personnel.
More than 300 Iranian reporters demanded that two journalists arrested for reporting on the story of Amini’s death be let go. Over the past six weeks, at least 40 reporters have been arrested, rights groups say, and the figure is rising.