Iran has executed another man on allegations of spying for Israel and the United States, as rights groups accuse Iranian authorities of using espionage charges to silence dissent.
The Mizan news agency, which is affiliated with the Iranian judiciary, said on Sunday that Shahram Sadeghi had driven his vehicle at high speed into a group of police officers during nationwide protests in December 2025, injuring seven officers. He then allegedly set his car on fire and fled.
Iranian authorities maintain that the mass protests in December and January were directed from abroad.
The demonstrations were triggered by a deep economic crisis, but developed into broad protests against Iran’s political leadership. Iran’s security apparatus violently suppressed the protests, and thousands of people were killed.
Iran has stepped up its use of capital punishment, executing at least 2,159 people last year – the highest recorded figure since 1981 – according to Amnesty International.
Sadeghi said during interrogation that his vehicle had been stolen and set on fire, Mizan reported. Mobile phone data showed that, contrary to his account, he had not reported the theft to police. He later allegedly confessed to the act.
A “revolutionary court” sentenced him to death, according to Mizan, with a defence lawyer said to have been present. The Supreme Court reportedly confirmed the sentence.
Human rights organizations and opposition groups have long accused Iranian authorities of using charges of espionage, acts against national security, armed insurrection, enmity against God and corruption on Earth to suppress dissent and eliminate political opponents.
They say these charges are routinely brought against protesters, dissidents and political prisoners to portray them as security threats and create a legal pretext for execution.