On Monday, December 12, 2022, the regime publicly hanged Majid Reza Rahnavard, 23, in Mashhad. Authorities sentenced him under Moharebeh [waging war against God] charges. They also forged a video to demonize this protester.
Instead, citizens and activists profoundly challenged the regime’s propaganda video. “You cannot see a face in CCTVs videos,” activists say. “Authorities have intentionally censured the demonstrations.”
On the other hand, citizens say Revolutionary Guards paramilitary Basij forces were attacking people’s stores and homes to intimidate locals and quell protests. “Majid Reza protested Basij agents for such brutality; they insulted his mother, prompting him to react,” an eyewitness said. Another report says that “Majid Reza tried to release two young girls seized by Basij forces.”
No one can approve local reports literally; however, it is obvious that the regime’s narrative is not reliable and has been manipulated in favor of the oppressive and intelligence apparatuses. Furthermore, the regime has a record of making fabricated videos to justify its atrocities and demonize dissidents.
Indeed, the regime hanged him 23 days after his detention while he was deprived of appeal and sentenced based on torture-tainted confessions. Activists believe that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei tried to uplift the spirit of its forces, who have been severely frustrated over the continuation of the revolutionary movement.
Further reports say a high-ranking IRGC commander insisted on the implementation of the punishment in public. In this respect, authorities hanged Majid Reza among hand-picked agents this dawn. They also kept the victim’s family in the dark and called on his mother and addressed his grave when they were burying the late Majid Reza.
The hasty execution of the second protester raised a strong wave of condemnation inside the country and abroad.
The Iranian opposition National Council of Resistance of Iran extremely condemned the inhumane execution of Rahnavard. “Khamenei tries to save his falling regime, but he only intensifies the people’s anger and hatred,” said NCRI President-elect Maryam Rajavi. “I declare protests and national mourning over the executions of Majid Reza Rahnavard and Mohsen Shekari, the heroes and martyrs of the Iranian people’s uprising.”
“Appalled by continued use of death penalty after news that a second protester, Majid Reza Rahnavard, was executed just over three weeks after his arrest,” stated the UN Human Rights Office. “We fear for the lives of other protesters sentenced to death. The use of the death penalty is not consistent with the right to life.”
“The horrific public execution of Majid Reza Rahnavard today exposes Iran’s judiciary for what it is: a tool of repression sending individuals to the gallows to spread fear and exacting revenge on protesters daring to stand up to the status quo,” stated Amnesty International. “The arbitrary execution of Majid Reza Rahnavard less than two weeks after his only court hearing lays bare the extent of the Iranian authorities’ assault on the right to life and their disregard for even maintaining a façade of meaningful judicial proceedings.”
“I am shocked at the news from Iran. A second citizen who protested against repression has been executed in abject circumstances,” said Portuguese foreign Minister João Cravinho. “Executions must cease immediately, all detainees should have access to due process and protection of their physical integrity.”
“The execution of Majid Reza Rahnavard is another blatant attempt at intimidation against Iranians who want to live in freedom. As EU we launched the third package of sanctions today against a full dozen Revolutionary Guard commanders,” said German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. “Also against those responsible for videos in which detainees are displayed with forced confessions. We have frozen your assets and forbidden cooperation and entry. We stand with the people in Iran and increase the pressure on the regime.”
“Gathered today, the 27 EU foreign ministers ask Iran to stop these executions immediately,” said French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna. “In addition, a new set of sanctions against those responsible for the repression has been adopted.”
“The EU must engage with determination in regard to Iran. Sweden has therefore pressed to put it on the agenda at today’s Foreign Affairs Council,” said Swedish Foreign Minister Tobias Billström. “We will adopt a new package of sanctions against the Islamic Republic, both against those responsible for human rights violations and in response to [the regime] transfer of drones to Russia.”
“According to several sources, Majid Reza Rahnavard was publicly executed in the city of Mashad today. Last week, Mohsen Shekari was executed. The Iranian regime has started executions of the protesters,” said Norwegian Parliament President Masud Gharahkhani. “Several have been sentenced to death. The brutality increases. Be their voice!”
“There was also a strong discussion in relation to Iran, and I understand this morning there has been another execution of someone who was protesting,” said Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney. “I think there is no doubt that we will also extend the targeted sanction package against individuals in Iran who are responsible for the unacceptable response to the protests in Iran.”
“I would like to raise the issue of Iran and the executions that are currently happening,” said Finish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto. “I called the Iranian minister on Thursday, of course expressing the Finnish condemnation of the executions that are happening in Iran, and it’s very important that we discuss this topic today.”
“At today’s EU Foreign Affairs Council, we are imposing further sanctions on those responsible for the blatant violations of human rights in Iran,” said Austrian Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg. “By executing another protester, Iran is continuing on its path of escalation. We call on Iran to respect human rights, especially the rights of women.”
“At today’s Foreign Affairs Council, EU Foreign Affairs Ministers adopted strong and clear conclusions on Iran,” stated the Finish Foreign Ministry. “We condemn the widespread use of force against protesters and call on Iranian authorities to immediately stop imposing and carrying out death sentences.”
“We’ve sanctioned those involved with the brutal suppression of protesters in Iran, and we will continue to try and steer Iran into a better direction,” said British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.
“There is a clear message to the Iran regime that it is not acceptable to violate human rights in such a brutal way. I read today about the second [execution],” said Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský. “The sanction package is on the table, and of course, they are continuing with repression, which is totally unacceptable.”
“The Islamic Republic summarily executed the second protester, Majid Reza Rahnavard in Mashhad. He was charged with ‘waging war against God,’” said United Nations Watch Executive Director Hillel Neuer. “We urged world leaders to act. What did they do? The Ayatollah is testing us. It’s time to recall our ambassadors and expel theirs.”
British Committee for Iran freedom expresses its strongest condemnation of the horrifying execution of the second 23-year-old young protester.
“Iran has executed 23-year-old Majid Reza Rahnavard,” said former Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström. “Majid Reza Rahnavard, in the second execution amid protests, after the 8 Dec execution of Mohsen Shekari. We must condemn this, but its not enough to just condemn this brutal and evil act.”
December 12 marked the 88th day of anti-regime protests in Iran. The demonstrations began following the heinous murder of Mahsa Amini, 22, in police custody. However, it immediately turned into a revolution against the entire theocratic regime.
According to the Iranian opposition Mojahedin-e Khalq (MEK/PMOI), the protests have extended to 280 cities. The regime has killed over 700 citizens, injured tens of thousands, and detained more than 30,000. The MEK has published the names of 580 killed protesters.
As of 11:30 pm Tehran time on December 9, protests in #Iran have expanded to 280 cities.
Over 700 people killed and more than 30,000 arrested by the regime's forces. The PMOI/MEK has published the names of 580 killed protesters.#IranRevoIution#مرگ_بر_ستمگر_چه_شاه_باشه_چه_رهبر pic.twitter.com/LKvxDNtOAh
— People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) December 9, 2022
“The time has come to an end the rule of repression,” said Mrs. Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran. “The time has come to establish a nation based on respect for human rights. And this will be so.”
Follow the Day-by-Day Report of the Iran Revolution 2022…
Key Developments:
- Protesters across Iran condemned the regime’s execution of Majid Reza Rahnavard, pledging to revenge and continue his path until concluding the revolution.
- Freedom-loving Iranians rallied in Paris, Geneva, Berlin, London, Hamburg, Frankfurt, Cologne, Hanover, the Hague, Aarhus, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Bochum, and München, condemning the execution of Majid Reza Rahnavad, calling on the Western nations to recognize the Iranian people’s cause of freedom and right to self-defense.
- The European Union includes 20 persons and entities, including the regime mouthpiece IRIB and its director Peyman Jebelli, Tehran Friday Prayer Imam Ahmad Khatami, Army Commander-in-chief Abdorrahim Mousavi, in the list of persons and entities subject to restrictive measures for using force against non-violent protesters, killing of Mahsa Amini and hundreds of protesters, and restricting internet access.
- The regime hanged two inmates in Qazvin and two inmates in Khorramabad on Monday. Three inmates were also executed in Shiraz, Zahedan, and Taybad on December 11.
Tehran Province:
Students of Fine Arts University-Faculty of Music perform the ancient song “It’s time to fight.” This is the time to fight, the time to take weapons… Source
Protesters chant in Haft-Howz, Narmak: “This is the last message; we’ll rise up!” and “Death to the dictator!” Source
Students of Allameh University-Faculty of Literature chant: “University officials are the enemy of awareness!” and “You cannot cut our voices by suspending students!” Source
Follow more updates on protests in Tehran
Razavi Khorasan Province:
Protesters take to the streets in Haft-e Tir Sq, Mashhad, following the execution of Majid Reza Rahnavard, 23. Source
Locals in Mashhad call to commemorate Majid Reza Rahnavard, 23, hanged by the regime today morning. Protesters also widely called for resuming revolutionary demonstrations across the country. Source
Citizens in Mashhad install large portraits of Majid Reza Rahnavard, hanged in public today dawn. The regime alleged he “terrorized locals” while citizens paid tribute to him and his bravery. Source
Sistan & Baluchestan Province:
Schoolchildren in Jakigor chant “death to the dictator!” Source
Fars Province:
High school students protesting and chanting: Majid Reza Rahnavard, you’re asleep but we’re all awake now!” Source
Mazandaran Province:
Protesters in Amol torched the statue of Qassem Soleimani, the ex-IRGC Quds Force chief, in broad daylight. Source
