Supreme Court Confirms Death Sentences for Two Currency Traders on Charges of 'Corruption on Earth'

On Tuesday, October 30, the Deputy Chief and Spokesman of the Judiciary announced that the death sentences for Vahid Malakoutian and Mohammad Ismail Qasemi, two coin sellers, have been confirmed by the Supreme Court. According to IRIB News Agency, Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei stated in an interview that the initial court had issued death sentences for these two individuals on charges of 'corruption on earth', and these sentences were confirmed on Tuesday. In Iranian media, Vahid Malakoutian is referred to as the 'Coin Sultan' because, according to judicial officials, he bought and sold 'approximately two tons' of coins within two months. Mohammad Ismail Qasemi is also accused in the prosecutor's indictment of having purchased 'three thousand coins for Vahid Malakoutian'. While death sentences have been issued for these individuals, there are no restrictions in Iranian law regarding the amount of coins and currency that can be bought and sold. Ejei previously mentioned that these two had been arrested in 2012, but the Central Bank had officially informed the court that their actions were carried out 'with the knowledge and coordination' of the bank, which led to their acquittal and release. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, had agreed in late August to the Chief Justice's proposal to establish a special court with three Revolutionary Court judges to address the cases of 'economic corruptors'. According to his directive, the rulings issued by this court, except for death sentences, are 'final and enforceable'. These courts expedite the examination of the defendants' charges but simultaneously deny the defendants the right to appeal, which contradicts Iranian judicial laws and has drawn criticism from legal experts. Meanwhile, the Judiciary spokesman stated that only 43 days passed from the formation of the case for these two in court to the confirmation of the death sentences. In these courts, a death sentence has also been issued for Hamid Bagheri Damani, referred to as a 'large bank debtor', but the Supreme Court's decision regarding this sentence has not yet been announced. The actions of the Judiciary come at a time when many analysts have previously stated that 'security measures', while they may prevent a short-term increase in currency prices, will have no long-term effect, just as currency prices continued to rise despite 'security measures in the previous government'. The Iranian economy has faced severe turbulence and tensions in recent months following the final decision of the U.S. President to withdraw from the JCPOA. The rial has significantly lost its value against the dollar, the prices of coins and other goods have increased, and a wave of protests has emerged in several cities across Iran. In this context, is hanging nooses a solution to the economic crisis? Sadeq Larijani: We will not succumb to imaginary red lines in corruption cases. The trial of 19 individuals accused of a '2.5 trillion tomans blow to the currency system'. The rial, which is no longer a currency. Rouhani's meeting with economists: 'Good' or 'almost nothing'? Severe government repression and the danger of protests going underground. What doctors and eyewitnesses recount about the injured protesters. The revelation of limitations in China-Iran relations amid protests.