Human Rights Sources: The Islamic Republic Secretly Executed Milad Zahraei, a 21-Year-Old Imprisoned Protester

Human rights sources reported on Thursday, November 23, the secret execution of Milad Zahraei, a 21-year-old imprisoned protester, in Hamadan Central Prison. According to the Hengaw Human Rights Organization, the execution of this protester was carried out without prior notification and the last meeting with his family, following the influence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Milad Zahraei, from Malayer and one of the detainees during the nationwide protests of 2022, was accused of killing an IRGC intelligence officer, Ali Nazari. Hengaw reported the establishment of a security atmosphere in the city of Malayer following the execution of this young protester and the deployment of government armed forces in public places in the city. The Dadban legal group reported on Tuesday, November 13, that the 'Qisas Nafs' (retribution) sentence for Milad Zahraei on the charge of 'premeditated murder' had been confirmed by the Supreme Court. Furthermore, despite the definitive consent of the family of the slain IRGC member Ali Nazari, the IRGC took over the family's legal representation and demanded the execution of Milad Zahraei. Milad Zahraei was arrested on October 27, 2022, during the nationwide protests along with five other citizens by IRGC forces in Malayer. Previously, the IRGC's public relations had announced that there were nine defendants in this case. Throughout his detention, Milad Zahraei was denied access to a lawyer, and his family was severely pressured by the IRGC's intelligence organization not to inform others about him. Milad Zahraei is considered the eighth protester executed in cases related to the nationwide protests of 2022. Several other defendants in these cases have been sentenced to long prison terms, exile, and social deprivation. The ongoing confrontation of the Islamic Republic with protesting citizens; from executions to the detention of families seeking justice. Warning about the imminent execution of Milad Zahraei; the judiciary: the retribution sentence has been issued. The UN Special Rapporteur: The Islamic Republic should accept my recommendations instead of denying the realities. Exclusive: The issuance of a death sentence for Reza Rasayi based on 'judicial knowledge' contradicts witness statements.