(Tehran) The Iranian justice sentenced to death on Thursday in the first instance a man in the north of the country for his alleged involvement in the demonstrations sparked in the country after the death in custody of a young woman.
After hearing the accused and his lawyer, the court sentenced Arshia Takdastan to death for “corruption on earth” and “moharebeh (“war against God” in Persian)”, announced Mizan Online, the agency of the judiciary.
Justice accuses him of having “directed” “riots” in the north of the country, alluding to the demonstrations started on September 16 after the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurd.
The young woman died after being arrested by the morality police for violating the strict dress code of the Islamic Republic, in particular imposing the wearing of the veil in public for women.
The Judicial Authority did not specify the date of Mr. Takdastan’s arrest or his age.
The accused was “the leader of a mob in the main square of the city of Noshahr and committed serious criminal acts during the riots,” Mizan Online said.
The convicted person can appeal.
Since the beginning of the protest movement, justice has sentenced 14 people to death in connection with the demonstrations, according to an AFP count based on official information. Of these, two have been executed, four have had their sentences upheld by the Supreme Court, six are awaiting new trials and two others, including Mr. Takdastan, can appeal.
Authorities say hundreds of people, including members of the security forces, have been killed and thousands arrested.