Iran Executes Majid Adineh for Alleged US, Israeli Collaboration

Iranian authorities on Sunday carried out the execution of Majid Adineh, an individual accused of collaborating with the United States and Israel. Adineh was also implicated in carrying a chainsaw during anti-government protests that took place in January.

The nation's judiciary confirmed Adineh's conviction for "operational action in favour of hostile groups" during the widespread rallies that commenced late last year. His execution adds him to a growing list of individuals put to death in connection with these protests, which were initially sparked by severe economic challenges within Iran.

According to the judiciary's Mizan Online website, Adineh faced charges of "deliberate arson, gathering and collusion with the intention of committing crimes against the country’s internal security." The Karaj Revolutionary Court subsequently sentenced him to death and ordered the confiscation of all his property. An appeal filed by Adineh was unsuccessful, with the Supreme Court upholding the initial verdict, leading to his execution on Sunday morning.

Further details from Mizan Online revealed that Adineh and another suspect were apprehended on January 9 in Alborz province, situated west of Tehran. At the time of their arrest, they were allegedly found in possession of a revolver, ammunition, two tasers, two tear gas canisters, a rechargeable chainsaw, and a bottle of gasoline.

The protest movement, which ultimately led to Adineh's charges, originated in late December due to public grievances over high living costs. It rapidly transformed into widespread anti-government demonstrations, reaching their peak intensity on January 8 and 9. Iranian authorities have reported over 3,000 fatalities resulting from the unrest, attributing the violence to "terr*rist acts" allegedly orchestrated by the United States and Israel.

Globally, the number of executions in Iran has reportedly surged since the commencement of the Middle East war on February 28, following US-Israeli strikes against Iran. A substantial portion of these executions has been linked to the protests, while other cases are connected to the ongoing conflict. Data compiled by Iran Human Rights, a Norway-based non-governmental organization, and Together Against the Death Penalty (ECPM), headquartered in Paris, indicates that Iranian authorities executed at least 1,639 people last year. This figure marks a record high for the country since 1989. Amnesty International also reports that Iran conducts the second-highest number of executions worldwide, trailing only China.