Cleric arrested in Iran protests sentenced to death twice
An Iranian cleric and former Revolutionary Guards member has received two death sentences in separate cases, including one for apostasy, following his arrest during January 2026 protests. This occurs as Iranian courts issue multiple capital sentences to detainees from the same unrest. Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced the cleric, identified as Mehdi, along with Amirreza Rezaei and Vahid Ghahremani. Separately, Branch 5 of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court sentenced three others, including Matin Farnian and Vahid Khodrikhah, to death on charges of enmity against God.
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- ✓ An Iranian cleric and former Revolutionary Guards member was sentenced to death twice in separate cases, including for apostasy.
- ✓ Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced Amirreza Rezaei, Vahid Ghahremani, and a cleric named Mehdi to death.
- ✓ Three individuals arrested during January 2026 protests in Mashhad were sentenced to death by Branch 5 of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court.
- ✓ HRANA identified Matin Farnian and Vahid Khodrikhah as two of the individuals sentenced to death in Mashhad.
What changed
A former Revolutionary Guards member and cleric has been sentenced to death twice, including for apostasy.
Live updates
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Iranian Cleric and Former Revolutionary Guard Member Sentenced to Death Twice
An Iranian cleric and former Revolutionary Guards member has received two death sentences in separate cases, including one for apostasy, following his arrest during January 2026 protests. This occurs as Iranian courts issue multiple capital sentences to detainees from the same unrest. Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced the cleric, identified as Mehdi, along with Amirreza Rezaei and Vahid Ghahremani. Separately, Branch 5 of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court sentenced three others, including Matin Farnian and Vahid Khodrikhah, to death on charges of enmity against God.
Why it matters
The sentences follow nationwide protests in January 2026. Authorities are using charges of moharebeh, or waging war against God, to prosecute detainees. The targeting of a former Revolutionary Guard member indicates a crackdown extending to former state insiders.
What is confirmed
- An Iranian cleric and former Revolutionary Guards member was sentenced to death twice in separate cases, including for apostasy.
- Branch 23 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced Amirreza Rezaei, Vahid Ghahremani, and a cleric named Mehdi to death.
- Three individuals arrested during January 2026 protests in Mashhad were sentenced to death by Branch 5 of the Mashhad Revolutionary Court.
- HRANA identified Matin Farnian and Vahid Khodrikhah as two of the individuals sentenced to death in Mashhad.
- Omran Amani, a 21-year-old protester, was sentenced to death on a charge of moharebeh.
Still unconfirmed
- A University of Tehran doctoral student attempted self-immolation following security pressure.
- Shahab Zohdi was sentenced to death for a second time by Judge Salavati.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of the cleric's full name and surname
- Reports on the execution status of the January 2026 detainees
- Supreme Court appeals for the Mashhad and Tehran death sentences
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (22)
- www.iranintl.com — صفحه اصلی | Iran International
- www.breitbart.com — Israel / Middle East - Latest News
- Iran International — Iran court sentences 21-year-old protester to death
- IranWire — January Protester Sentenced to Death for Second Time in Tehran
- www.en-hrana.org — Shahin Vahedparast Kalour Archives - Hrana
- Hana Human Rights Organization — Death Sentences Issued for Three Detainees Arrested During the January 2026 Protests in Tehran
- Iran International — Cleric arrested in Iran protests sentenced to death twice
- www.iranintl.com — Iran court sentences 21-year-old protester to death
- www.iranintl.com — Tehran PhD student attempts self-immolation after security pressure
- www.iranintl.com — Cleric arrested in Iran protests sentenced to death twice
- www.en-hrana.org — Tehran Revolutionary Court Sentences Three More Detainees ...
- www.en-hrana.org — Three Detainees from January Protests Sentenced to Death
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