An Iranian revolutionary court has reportedly sentenced a man to death on charges of “enmity against God” for his alleged role in January’s nationwide anti-government protests, marking what is believed to be the first known capital punishment ruling linked to the unrest. The development was reported by international media outlets, though Iran’s judiciary had not officially confirmed the verdict as of Tuesday.
The accused, identified as Mohammad Abbasi, was convicted in connection with the killing of a police colonel during clashes in the town of Malard, located west of Tehran. According to reports citing individuals involved in the case, the ruling was issued by Branch 15 of Iran’s Revolutionary Court. Abbasi’s daughter, Fatemeh Abbasi, was also sentenced to 25 years in prison for alleged participation in the same incidents.
Defence lawyer Ali Sharifzadeh Ardekani stated that the case has been referred to Branch 39 of Iran’s Supreme Court following an appeal. He said the court declined to recognise the legal team chosen by the family during the review stage due to procedural issues, and indicated that a final decision could be delivered soon.
Human rights organisations have long criticised Iran’s use of revolutionary courts in politically sensitive cases, where defendants are often charged under national security provisions such as “moharebeh,” or “enmity against God,” an offence that can carry the death penalty under Iranian law. Advocates argue that trials linked to protest activity frequently lack transparency and adequate legal safeguards.
The sentence comes after widespread protests erupted across Iran in January, driven by anger over political restrictions and worsening economic conditions. Demonstrations spread across multiple cities before security forces moved to suppress them. Human rights groups claim that thousands of people were killed and tens of thousands arrested during the crackdown, although official figures from Iranian authorities differ.
International concern has grown over the possibility of executions tied to protest-related cases. Attention had earlier focused on another activist, Erfan Soltani, who was initially reported to face capital punishment for alleged involvement in demonstrations. Iranian authorities later denied that he had received a death sentence, stating that the charges carried prison terms, and he was subsequently released on bail.
The developments have drawn warnings from the United States, which has cautioned Iran against carrying out executions connected to the protests. US officials previously warned of serious consequences if death sentences were implemented against demonstrators, amid broader tensions between Washington and Tehran following the unrest. The case of Mohammad Abbasi now remains under appeal as international scrutiny over Iran’s judicial response to the protests continues.
