Iran sentences protester Ali Zarei to death

An Iranian court has sentenced 27-year-old Ali Zarei to death after convicting him of ‘corruption on earth,’ one of the most severe charges under Iranian law. Zarei was a participant in the 2022 anti-government protests, during which he lost his right eye due to gunfire from security forces.

According to human rights organizations, including the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) and the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI), Zarei had traveled to Germany for medical treatment following his injuries. He was arrested immediately upon his return to Iran for personal reasons.

Reports indicate that Zarei had recently participated in a demonstration in Munich supporting the former monarchy. Human rights groups emphasize that his arrest and sentencing underscore the ongoing crackdown on individuals involved in the ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ movement that emerged following the death of Mahsa Amini.