Iranian Regime Arrests 9 Over Online Activity, Executes Protester Accused of Ties With Israel and US

TEHRAN, Jul 22: Iranian authorities have arrested nine people in the southeastern province of Kerman over alleged online activities that officials said had disturbed public opinion, police said on Wednesday.

The suspects were detained in separate operations and referred to judicial authorities, according to the deputy provincial police commander. Officials did not disclose details about the online content involved, the identities of those arrested or the specific charges they may face.

Iran has frequently taken action against individuals over online activities in recent years, with authorities accusing some of spreading propaganda, disrupting public order or committing national security-related offenses.

Separately, Iran executed a protester who took part in the January unrest after accusing him of armed activities linked to Israel and the United States, according to the judiciary-affiliated Mizan news agency.

The report identified the executed man as Mehdi Khanaki and alleged that he had joined an unnamed armed opposition group in 2023.

Authorities claimed that weapons, ammunition and explosive materials were discovered at his home following his arrest in Karaj in February.

Mizan did not provide details about Khanaki’s trial proceedings or whether he had access to legal representation.

The execution comes amid continued scrutiny of Iran’s handling of protesters and individuals accused of security-related offences, with rights groups repeatedly raising concerns over due process and transparency in such cases.