Iran executes young lawyer amid conflicting reports over charges

Iranian authorities have executed Mehdi Khanki, a 26-year-old lawyer, after convicting him on charges related to recent protests and alleged collaboration with Israel and the United States, according to the judiciary-affiliated Mizan news agency and the news site index.hr.

Mizan reported that Khanki was executed for "operations carried out" in support of countries and entities hostile to Iran, as well as for alleged crimes during protests in January and possession of weapons.

Iranian opposition account

In contrast, the Iranian opposition, represented by the Paris-based National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), said Khanki was executed for his membership in the People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI) and his participation in protests in Karaj. The opposition stated that Khanki was subjected to physical and psychological torture for several months before his execution.

According to an NCRI statement, dozens of PMOI members remain at risk of execution or are awaiting their sentences in Iranian prisons. The opposition also reported that eight of its members were executed between March 30 and April 20.

Broader context of executions

Official Iranian media, including Mizan, have reported a rise in executions of individuals linked to the PMOI in recent months. While opposition sources cite eight executions, Iranian media have recorded 12 executions during the same period.

The People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran, known in Persian as "Mojahedin-e Khalq," is banned in Iran, and its level of support within the country remains unclear. The group is one of the most prominent opposition forces alongside monarchist groups supporting Reza Pahlavi, son of the deposed shah.