Iran judiciary hints at unrest-linked executions, in potential shift

Iran indicates that it might go ahead with execution of people detained during the unrest, after the country’s foreign minister had suggested there would not be hangings.

“A series of actions have been identified as Mohareb, which is among the most severe Islamic punishments,” Iranian judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir tells a press conference today.

Mohareb, an Islamic legal term meaning to wage war against God, is punishable by death under Iranian law.

An Iranian official tells Reuters that the verified death toll was unlikely to “increase sharply,” adding “Israel and armed groups abroad” had supported and equipped those taking to the streets.

The clerical establishment regularly blames unrest on foreign enemies, including the US and Israel.

Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.