Another Casualty of the 2022 Nationwide Protests
Secret Execution and Family Notification
On the morning of Tuesday, August 6, 2024, Kurdish political activist Reza Rasaei, 34, was executed at Dieselabad Prison in Kermanshah, Iran. Rasaei, a follower of the Yarsanism faith, had been arrested for his involvement in the 2022 nationwide protests.
The execution was carried out secretly, without notifying Rasaei’s family or legal representative. Security forces later informed the family of the execution and prohibited them from burying Rasaei in his hometown.
Charges and Conviction
Rasaei was convicted of murdering Nader Beyrami, the local head of the Revolutionary Guards’ Intelligence Organization, by the Second Branch of the Criminal Court in Kermanshah province. He was charged with Moharebeh (enmity against God), actions against national security, and attempted escape from police.
Controversial Verdict and Alleged Rights Violations
Supporters claim the verdict lacked substantial evidence and was influenced by pressure from Iran’s judiciary. Throughout his detention, Rasaei was reportedly denied basic rights, including access to legal counsel and family visits. Witnesses allege that Rasaei was subjected to severe torture to extract a confession.
Witness Account and Possible Targeting
A witness account suggests Rasaei’s innocence, stating he was merely present at the scene with a placard when Beyrami was killed. The witness believes Rasaei was targeted due to his previous activism for his politically active cousin.
Impact on Religious Minorities
This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by religious minorities in Iran, particularly the Ahl-e Haqq community, which lacks official recognition and faces political and social discrimination.
Growing Number of Executions Linked to 2022 Protests
Reza Rasaei’s execution marks the ninth known case of capital punishment carried out against individuals involved in the 2022 nationwide protests in Iran. These executions have drawn international condemnation and raised concerns about the use of the death penalty as a tool to suppress dissent. Human rights organizations continue to call for an immediate moratorium on executions in Iran and for fair trials that meet international standards. The growing number of executions related to the protests underscores the ongoing tension between the Iranian government and those advocating for political and social change in the country.
List of Executed Protesters
The following individuals have been executed in connection with the 2022 nationwide protests:
- Mohsen Shekari – Executed on December 8, 2022
- Majidreza Rahnavard – Executed on December 12, 2022
- Mohammad Mehdi Karami – Executed on January 7, 2023
- Seyyed Mohammad Hosseini – Executed on January 7, 2023
- Majid Kazemi – Executed on May 19, 2023
- Saleh Mirhashemi – Executed on May 19, 2023
- Saeed Yaqoubi – Executed on May 19, 2023
- Mohammad Ghobadlou – Executed on January 23, 2024
- Gholamreza Rasaei – Executed on August 6, 2024
These executions highlight the severe consequences faced by those who participated in the 2022 protests and the Iranian regime’s continued use of capital punishment in response to political dissent.
