Iran Executes Man for Alleged Israeli Spying and Another Over Protest Charges

Iranian authorities have executed two men, intensifying a wave of capital punishments amid ongoing tensions with Israel and the United States. Ehsan Afreshteh, a 32-year-old cybersecurity specialist, was hanged after being convicted of spying for Israel’s Mossad. Rights groups, including Hengaw and Iran Human Rights, contest the charges, alleging Afreshteh was subjected to torture and forced confessions after returning to Iran under false safety assurances. His father reportedly died of a heart attack following the verdict. The second individual, Mohammad Abbasi, 55, was executed for his alleged role in killing a police officer during January protests. While state media labeled him a rioter, activists described him as a protester. These executions bring the total number of political prisoners executed since the start of the recent conflict to 26, according to human rights monitors. Officials aim to instill fear within the population through these measures. Iran remains one of the world's most prolific executioners, with hundreds carried out annually. The recent crackdown follows deadly security responses to earlier demonstrations, highlighting the regime's harsh stance on dissent and alleged foreign collaboration during a period of heightened geopolitical instability.