Iran's judiciary head signaled Wednesday that fast trials and executions would be carried out for those detained in connection with recent nationwide protests, despite warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump. Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei's comments followed warnings from activists that hangings of detainees could occur imminently.
The protests, sparked by widespread discontent over economic conditions and political restrictions, have been met with a harsh crackdown by Iranian security forces. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported that at least 2,586 people have been killed in the government's response. This death toll surpasses that of any other period of protest or unrest in Iran in recent decades, evoking memories of the turmoil surrounding the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
Trump has repeatedly warned that the U.S. may consider military action in response to the killing of peaceful protesters. These warnings come months after the U.S. bombed Iranian nuclear sites during a 12-day war initiated by Israel against Iran.
The international community has expressed growing concern over Iran's handling of the protests. Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have condemned the use of excessive force against protesters and called for independent investigations into the killings. The European Union has also issued statements urging Iran to respect the rights of its citizens to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
Iran's judiciary has historically been criticized for its lack of transparency and due process, particularly in cases involving political dissent. The prospect of expedited trials and executions raises concerns about the fairness of the legal proceedings and the potential for wrongful convictions. The Iranian government maintains that it is acting within its rights to maintain order and security, and that those arrested are being treated fairly under the law. The situation remains tense, with the potential for further escalation both domestically and internationally.
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