Iran hangs 3 people, including teen wrestler, in first executions over January protests

March 20, 2026

TL;DR

Iran executed three men, including Saleh Mohammadi, a member of the national wrestling team, for their alleged involvement in killing police officers during January protests.
Rights groups state the executions were carried out after unfair trials and confessions obtained under torture.
Saleh Mohammadi was reportedly denied adequate defense and forced to confess in proceedings that lacked resemblance to a meaningful trial.
The men were convicted of 'waging war against God' (moharebeh) and involvement in actions favoring Israel and the United States.
This marks the first execution related to the nationwide demonstrations, and rights groups fear a rise in hangings due to the ongoing war with Israel and the US.
Iran previously executed Kouroush Keyvani, a dual Iranian-Swedish national, on charges of spying for Israel.
Protests in Iran initially focused on the cost of living before evolving into anti-government demonstrations.
Authorities have blamed the US and Israel for the unrest, while rights groups accuse security forces of killing thousands.
Iran is among the world's most prolific executioners, with hundreds of people facing death sentences for protest-related charges.

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