Iran sentences 21‑year‑old protester to death under espionage law

Iran’s Revolutionary Court in Mashhad sentenced 21‑year‑old Mahdi Zarif, a participant in recent protests, to death. The verdict cites the “augmented punishment for espionage and cooperation with the Zionist regime and hostile countries” law, accusing him of an “operational act” in favor of the United States and Israel.

Human‑rights groups say the case exemplifies the expanding use of the espionage statute to punish demonstrators, noting that the court provided no concrete evidence of direct contacts with foreign governments. The court argued that merely supporting the United States, Israel, or opposition figures sufficed for the charge. Observers warned that the sentence violates fair‑trial standards and could set a precedent for further death penalties against protestors.