Iran's top diplomat says Tehran welcomes steps toward a reconciliation between Turkey and Syria and is ready to help move the efforts forward. Watch this report to know further.

Iran welcomes steps toward Turkiye-Syria reconciliation

#WIONFineprint | Human rights groups say Iran is conducting sham trials and speedy executions to strike fear in the hearts of protesters. there are allegations of torture, forced convictions and 15-minute trials.

WION Fineprint | Iran giving just 15 minutes to defend against death penalty?

One of the sons of former Iranian president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani was freed on a "conditional" basis after serving more than seven years of a 10-year jail sentence for fraud, Iranian media reported Wednesday.&nbsp;Mehdi Hashemi Rafsanjani, 53, left Tehran’s Evin Prison late Tuesday, his lawyer Vahid Abolmaali said, quoted by the ISNA news agency.

Mehdi Hashemi Rafsanjani was convicted of fraud, embezzlement and undermining national security in August 2015. Previously, Rafsanjani had denounced the charges as "politically motivated".&nbsp;

Who is Mehdi Hashemi Rafsanjani?

Mehdi Hashemi Rafsanjani is the fourth child of Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, former president of Iran. He is known as an Iranian "Aghazadeh", a term used to describe the children of elite who emerge as the men of means and influence.

He had served as a senior official in Iran’s oil sector in the mid-2000s.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/akbar-hashemi-rafsanjani-irans-evolving-revolutionary-11042">Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani: Iran's evolving revolutionary</a>

In 2009, Hashemi Rafsanjani aroused the anger of conservatives by forming a "vote protection committee" for that year’s presidential election.

He actively supported reformist candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi, whose allegations of large-scale fraud in favour of populist incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad prompted mass protests.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-irans-anti-govt-movement-is-escalating-524580">Gravitas: Iran's anti-govt movement is escalating</a>

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Mehdi’s father, Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, served as president from 1989 to 1997 and was regarded as a moderate who supported improving ties with the West.

Earlier this month, Rafsanjani’s daughter Faezeh Hashemi was sentenced to five years in prison for "collusion against the security of the country".

She was arrested in September and convicted of inciting Tehran residents to join protests over the death in custody of Mahsa Al-Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian Kurd, who died after&nbsp; being arrested for allegedly violating Iran’s strict dress code for women.

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One of the sons of former Iranian president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani was freed on a "conditional" basis after serving more than seven years of a 10-year jail sentence for fraud, Iranian media reported Wednesday.

One of the sons of former Iranian president Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani was freed on a "conditional" basis after serving more than seven years of a 10-year jail sentence for fraud, Iranian media reported Wednesday. Mehdi Hashemi Rafsanjani, 53, left Tehran’s Evin Prison late Tuesday, his lawyer Vahid Abolmaali said, quoted by the ISNA news agency. Mehdi Hashemi Rafsanjani was convicted of fraud, embezzlement and undermining national security in August 2015. Previously, Rafsanjani had denounced the charges as "politically motivated". Who is Mehdi Hashemi Rafsanjani? Mehdi Hashemi Rafsanjani is the fourth child of Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, former president of Iran. He is known as an Iranian "Aghazadeh", a term used to describe the children of elite who emerge as the men of means and influence. He had served as a senior official in Iran’s oil sector in the mid-2000s. ALSO READ | Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani: Iran's evolving revolutionary In 2009, Hashemi Rafsanjani aroused the anger of conservatives by forming a "vote protection committee" for that year’s presidential election. He actively supported reformist candidate Mir Hossein Mousavi, whose allegations of large-scale fraud in favour of populist incumbent Mahmoud Ahmadinejad prompted mass protests. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: Iran's anti-govt movement is escalating × Mehdi’s father, Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani, served as president from 1989 to 1997 and was regarded as a moderate who supported improving ties with the West. Earlier this month, Rafsanjani’s daughter Faezeh Hashemi was sentenced to five years in prison for "collusion against the security of the country". She was arrested in September and convicted of inciting Tehran residents to join protests over the death in custody of Mahsa Al-Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian Kurd, who died after being arrested for allegedly violating Iran’s strict dress code for women. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iran releases pro-West former president Rafsanjani’s son on ‘conditional’ basis

Iran's main filmmakers' union on Tuesday called on authorities to release renowned dissident director Jafar Panahi, who has been imprisoned for six months.

Panahi, 62, one of Iran's most awarded filmmakers, was arrested on July 11 and is serving a six-year sentence handed down in 2010.

The House of Cinema, which brings together professional filmmakers in Iran, called for his release "as soon as possible", in a statement posted on its website.

It appealed for Iran's judiciary to take into account the "physical condition and illness" of the filmmaker, without elaborating.

Panahi has won the top prizes in Venice for "The Circle" and Berlin for "Taxi", as well as best screenplay at Cannes for "Three Faces".

On top of his six-year sentence, he was handed a 20-year ban from making or writing films, travelling or even speaking in the media, but he continued to work in Iran.

He was convicted of "propaganda against the system" after supporting 2009 protests over the disputed re-election of then president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

In July, Panahi was arrested at the Tehran court where he had gone to follow the case of another award-winning director, Mohammad Rasoulof, who had been detained a few days before.

On Wednesday, Rasoulof's lawyer told AFP that his client had been released on January 7 for two weeks on health grounds.

Meanwhile, a court sentenced documentary filmmaker Mojgan Ilanlou "to six years in prison and 74 lashes" for conspiracy against the country's national security, the reformist Shargh newspaper reported on its website Tuesday.

Ilanlou had been "detained for 90 days and spent 40 days of this period in solitary confinement", the publication said.

Iran has arrested a number of celebrities from the country's film industry in connection with the protest movement sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old ethnic Kurd, in September last year.

Iran's main filmmakers' union on Tuesday called on authorities to release renowned dissident director Jafar Panahi, who has been imprisoned for six months. Panahi, 62, one of Iran's most awarded filmmakers, was arrested on July 11 and is serving a six-year sentence handed down in 2010.

Iran's main filmmakers' union on Tuesday called on authorities to release renowned dissident director Jafar Panahi, who has been imprisoned for six months. Panahi, 62, one of Iran's most awarded filmmakers, was arrested on July 11 and is serving a six-year sentence handed down in 2010. The House of Cinema, which brings together professional filmmakers in Iran, called for his release "as soon as possible", in a statement posted on its website. It appealed for Iran's judiciary to take into account the "physical condition and illness" of the filmmaker, without elaborating. Panahi has won the top prizes in Venice for "The Circle" and Berlin for "Taxi", as well as best screenplay at Cannes for "Three Faces". On top of his six-year sentence, he was handed a 20-year ban from making or writing films, travelling or even speaking in the media, but he continued to work in Iran. He was convicted of "propaganda against the system" after supporting 2009 protests over the disputed re-election of then president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. In July, Panahi was arrested at the Tehran court where he had gone to follow the case of another award-winning director, Mohammad Rasoulof, who had been detained a few days before. On Wednesday, Rasoulof's lawyer told AFP that his client had been released on January 7 for two weeks on health grounds. Meanwhile, a court sentenced documentary filmmaker Mojgan Ilanlou "to six years in prison and 74 lashes" for conspiracy against the country's national security, the reformist Shargh newspaper reported on its website Tuesday. Ilanlou had been "detained for 90 days and spent 40 days of this period in solitary confinement", the publication said. Iran has arrested a number of celebrities from the country's film industry in connection with the protest movement sparked by the death in custody of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old ethnic Kurd, in September last year.

Iran filmmakers call for release of dissident director Jafar Panahi

American imprisoned in Iran Siamak Namazi has appealed to U.S. President Joe Biden to bring him home. He has starting a seven-day hunger strike. Watch further to know more.

American prisoner held in Iran launches hunger strike, appeals Biden to bring him back

An American detained in Iran Siamak Namazi, is calling on President Joe Biden to take notice of US detainees there, launching a hunger strike to mark seven years since he was left behind in a prisoner swap.

American held in Iran launches hunger strike and writes to Biden to bring him back

Alireza Akbari, the British-Iranian dual national and former Iranian deputy defence minister was executed by Tehran on Saturday, reported Iran’s judiciary's Mizan news agency. This comes after he was accused of “spying” for Britain and was hanged after being convicted of “corruption on Earth” and acting against national security, reported Al Jazeera citing the judiciary’s official news outlet. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation and action by the United Kingdom against Iran including sanctions and the temporary withdrawal of their ambassador from Tehran, as it considers branding Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation along with the European Union in a reportedly coordinated move.&nbsp;

Who is Alireza Akbari?

Alireza Akbari was a British-Iranian national who also served as deputy defence minister under ex-defence minister Ali Shamkhani in the former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami’s administration, from 1997 to 2005. According to an audio recording purportedly from Akbari which was broadcasted by BBC Persian, earlier this week, Akbari also fought in the eight-year war between Iran and Iraq in the 1980s and was among the ranks of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as well as had a commanding role in developing Tehran’s strategy during the conflict.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-executes-british-iranian-national-for-alleged-spying-says-report-552525">&nbsp;Iran executes British-Iranian national for alleged spying, says report</a>

Since the war, he has reportedly been a close ally of Shamkhani who currently serves as the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. A report by CNN citing Shargh Daily said that Akbari was also a member of the organisation that implemented a ceasefire between Iran-Iraq after the war. Furthermore, he also reportedly led the implementation of a United Nations resolution which ended the war in 1988.&nbsp;

What was Alireza Akbari accused of by Iran?

According to media reports, Akbari stepped down from his position in Iran and eventually moved to the UK where he ran a private think tank and had not been seen in public until his arrest in Iran four years ago. According to a report by BBC Persian, Akbari said he was living abroad before senior Iranian diplomat, Shamkhani, invited him to visit Iran in 2019.

Iran’s judicial news agency, Mizan while confirming Akbari’s death penalty accused him of being, “one of the most important agents of the British spy service who collected important information and provided this for the British spy service in a fully informed and targeted manner”. Additionally, they also claimed that the Iranian-British national had been cultivated by the UK when he was seeking and recruited aboard, as per the Guardian.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-executes-alireza-akbari-for-being-a-british-spy-552561">Iran executes Alireza Akbari for being a British Spy</a>

According to a report by Reuters, Iranian state media, on Thursday, broadcast a video of Akbari which showed that he played a role in the assassination of Iran’s top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh who was allegedly killed in 2020. However, at the time, the authorities in Tehran had blamed the attack on Israel, without providing any evidence.&nbsp;

In that video, while the Iranian-British national did not confess to killing the nuclear scientist he said that a British agent had asked for information about Fakhrizadeh, as per Reuters. According to Iranian media reports, he was also accused of being paid more than $2 million in various currencies and allegedly provided information to foreign officials about 178 Iranian officials including Fakhrizadeh.&nbsp;

Furthermore, when the Iranian judiciary’s official news outlet confirmed the British-Iranian national’s execution it said that Akbari is being hanged for “harming the country’s internal and external security by passing on intelligence”. It added, “The actions of the British spy service in this case have shown the value of the convict, the importance of his access and the enemy’s trust in him.”&nbsp;

Prior to his execution, Akbari had reportedly denied any wrongdoing. He also allegedly said that he was tortured and forced to make false confessions after he was accused of obtaining top-secret intelligence for the British intelligence agency, MI6. Akbari, who was arrested more than three years ago, was reportedly in Evin prison in Tehran where he met other British Iranian dual nationals.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-sanctions-irans-prosecutor-over-british-iranian-citizens-execution-552692">UK sanctions Iran's prosecutor over British-Iranian citizen’s execution</a> 
 
“With more than 3,500 hours of torture, psychedelic drugs, and physiological and psychological pressure methods, they took away my will,” said Akbari, as per a report by Reuters, citing the BBC Persian’s audio recording.&nbsp;

Furthermore, the former deputy defence minister alleged that Iranian security personnel pressured judges to issue a death penalty against him, “The Supreme Court voted against the death penalty, but the Intelligence Ministry imposed its will by threatening the judge,” reported Reuters citing BBC.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, his wife, Maryam told The Guardian, that a decade or so ago Akbari had “formal consultations” with British officials which were well within the scope of his mission, however, his meetings with a university admissions officer, or an estate agent were misinterpreted by intelligence officials as meeting with an agent.&nbsp;

She also asserted, “There was no evidence that he was a spy except a confession that was extracted after he was drugged and interrogated for 3,500 hours.” Speaking to the Guardian, Maryam said that he left the government since “public service was no longer possible” and found himself “politically ostracised”. It was then he supposedly decided to leave Iran after which he travelled to Austria and Spain before settling in the UK.&nbsp;

How did the UK react to Akbari’s sentence and execution?

According to a report by the Guardian, the UK's Foreign Office was aware of Akbari’s case for some time but was only asked to intervene by his family in the last 24 hours when they had exhausted all legal means and political lobbying in Iran had failed. Subsequently, on January 11 the day Akbari was sentenced, the British foreign secretary, James Cleverly, urged the Iranian government to “halt the execution” and called for his immediate release.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-faces-global-backlash-for-akbaris-execution-552821">Iran faces global backlash for Akbari's execution</a>

“This is a politically motivated act by a barbaric regime that has total disregard for human life,” said Cleverly. After the Iranian judiciary’s official news outlet confirmed Alireza Akbari’s execution, on Saturday morning, the UK Prime Minister took to Twitter and said that he is “appalled” and called it a “callous and cowardly act, carried out by a barbaric regime with no respect for the human rights of their own people. My thoughts are with Alireza’s friends and family.”&nbsp;

Since then, there has been widespread condemnation of Iran. The UK foreign minister, hours after the execution said, “Iran has executed a British national. This barbaric act deserves condemnation in the strongest possible terms. This will not stand unchallenged. My thoughts are with Alireza Akbari’s family.” The&nbsp;61-year-old Akbari leaves behind two daughters and a wife who are currently living in the UK.

The fallout from Alireza Akbari’s execution

In addition to widespread condemnation and criticism, the UK government has since imposed sanctions including a travel ban and asset freeze on Iran’s Prosecutor General, Mohammad Jafar Montazeri and the British foreign minister said he “is at the heart of Iran's use of the death penalty”.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-executes-2-more-men-detained-amid-nationwide-protests-550255">Iran executes 2 more men detained amid nationwide protests</a>

So far, in what is expected to be a series of steps against Iran, on Saturday, Cleverly said that Britain would temporarily withdraw its ambassador from Iran and is considering further action against Tehran following Akbari’s execution. “It is important to recognise that our response is not necessarily limited to the actions that I’ve announced today,” said the UK foreign minister.&nbsp;

The UK had also summoned the Iranian chargé d’affaires while the British ambassador to Tehran, Stephen Shercliff, was also summoned by the Iranian authorities for Britain’s “unconventional interventions”. Tehran also reportedly told Shercliff that “decisive action” to protect Iran’s national security will not “depend on the consent of other governments, including England”.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-executes-2-more-protesters-khamenei-appoints-new-national-police-chief-550388">Iran executes 2 more protesters; Khamenei appoints new national police chief</a>

Reports suggest that the UK will be planning to coordinate with the European Union to formally declare Iran’s IRGC a terrorist organisation which would make it a criminal offence to belong to or participate in the group’s activities in Britain.

Notably, this is not the first time that the UK is considering this move. In a press conference, last year, the MI5 chief had said that Iran had planned at least 10 plots to, “kidnap or even kill British or UK-based individuals perceived as enemies of the regime,” since the beginning of 2022 alone.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-mi5-chief-says-expulsion-of-russian-spies-from-europe-is-a-significant-strategic-blow-to-moscow-534881">UK: MI5 chief says expulsion of Russian spies from Europe is a ‘significant strategic blow’ to Moscow</a> 
 
After Akbari’s execution France also in “full solidarity with the British authorities”, extending their condolences said at the minister’s request summoned the chargé d’affaires of the Iranian Embassy in Paris to “express our outrage”. In a statement, the French government said that they also issued a warning to him and said, “Iran’s repeated violations of international law cannot go unanswered, especially when it comes to the treatment of the foreign nationals the country arbitrarily detains.”&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron called the British-Iranian dual national’s execution an “odious and barbaric act.” He added, “His name adds to too long a list of victims of repression and the death penalty in Iran.” Meanwhile, the US State Department also described the execution as politically motivated and unjust while the US ambassador to the UK called it “appalling and sickening”.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
&nbsp;

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Alireza Akbari, the British-Iranian dual national and former Iranian deputy defence minister was executed by Tehran on Saturday, reported Iran’s judiciary's Mizan news agency.

Alireza Akbari, the British-Iranian dual national and former Iranian deputy defence minister was executed by Tehran on Saturday, reported Iran’s judiciary's Mizan news agency. This comes after he was accused of “spying” for Britain and was hanged after being convicted of “corruption on Earth” and acting against national security, reported Al Jazeera citing the judiciary’s official news outlet. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation and action by the United Kingdom against Iran including sanctions and the temporary withdrawal of their ambassador from Tehran, as it considers branding Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation along with the European Union in a reportedly coordinated move. Who is Alireza Akbari? Alireza Akbari was a British-Iranian national who also served as deputy defence minister under ex-defence minister Ali Shamkhani in the former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami’s administration, from 1997 to 2005. According to an audio recording purportedly from Akbari which was broadcasted by BBC Persian, earlier this week, Akbari also fought in the eight-year war between Iran and Iraq in the 1980s and was among the ranks of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as well as had a commanding role in developing Tehran’s strategy during the conflict. ALSO READ | Iran executes British-Iranian national for alleged spying, says report Since the war, he has reportedly been a close ally of Shamkhani who currently serves as the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. A report by CNN citing Shargh Daily said that Akbari was also a member of the organisation that implemented a ceasefire between Iran-Iraq after the war. Furthermore, he also reportedly led the implementation of a United Nations resolution which ended the war in 1988. What was Alireza Akbari accused of by Iran? According to media reports, Akbari stepped down from his position in Iran and eventually moved to the UK where he ran a private think tank and had not been seen in public until his arrest in Iran four years ago. According to a report by BBC Persian, Akbari said he was living abroad before senior Iranian diplomat, Shamkhani, invited him to visit Iran in 2019. Iran’s judicial news agency, Mizan while confirming Akbari’s death penalty accused him of being, “one of the most important agents of the British spy service who collected important information and provided this for the British spy service in a fully informed and targeted manner”. Additionally, they also claimed that the Iranian-British national had been cultivated by the UK when he was seeking and recruited aboard, as per the Guardian. ALSO WATCH | Iran executes Alireza Akbari for being a British Spy According to a report by Reuters, Iranian state media, on Thursday, broadcast a video of Akbari which showed that he played a role in the assassination of Iran’s top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh who was allegedly killed in 2020. However, at the time, the authorities in Tehran had blamed the attack on Israel, without providing any evidence. In that video, while the Iranian-British national did not confess to killing the nuclear scientist he said that a British agent had asked for information about Fakhrizadeh, as per Reuters. According to Iranian media reports, he was also accused of being paid more than $2 million in various currencies and allegedly provided information to foreign officials about 178 Iranian officials including Fakhrizadeh. Furthermore, when the Iranian judiciary’s official news outlet confirmed the British-Iranian national’s execution it said that Akbari is being hanged for “harming the country’s internal and external security by passing on intelligence”. It added, “The actions of the British spy service in this case have shown the value of the convict, the importance of his access and the enemy’s trust in him.” Prior to his execution, Akbari had reportedly denied any wrongdoing. He also allegedly said that he was tortured and forced to make false confessions after he was accused of obtaining top-secret intelligence for the British intelligence agency, MI6. Akbari, who was arrested more than three years ago, was reportedly in Evin prison in Tehran where he met other British Iranian dual nationals. ALSO READ | UK sanctions Iran's prosecutor over British-Iranian citizen’s execution “With more than 3,500 hours of torture, psychedelic drugs, and physiological and psychological pressure methods, they took away my will,” said Akbari, as per a report by Reuters, citing the BBC Persian’s audio recording. Furthermore, the former deputy defence minister alleged that Iranian security personnel pressured judges to issue a death penalty against him, “The Supreme Court voted against the death penalty, but the Intelligence Ministry imposed its will by threatening the judge,” reported Reuters citing BBC. Meanwhile, his wife, Maryam told The Guardian, that a decade or so ago Akbari had “formal consultations” with British officials which were well within the scope of his mission, however, his meetings with a university admissions officer, or an estate agent were misinterpreted by intelligence officials as meeting with an agent. She also asserted, “There was no evidence that he was a spy except a confession that was extracted after he was drugged and interrogated for 3,500 hours.” Speaking to the Guardian, Maryam said that he left the government since “public service was no longer possible” and found himself “politically ostracised”. It was then he supposedly decided to leave Iran after which he travelled to Austria and Spain before settling in the UK. How did the UK react to Akbari’s sentence and execution? According to a report by the Guardian, the UK's Foreign Office was aware of Akbari’s case for some time but was only asked to intervene by his family in the last 24 hours when they had exhausted all legal means and political lobbying in Iran had failed. Subsequently, on January 11 the day Akbari was sentenced, the British foreign secretary, James Cleverly, urged the Iranian government to “halt the execution” and called for his immediate release. ALSO WATCH | Iran faces global backlash for Akbari's execution “This is a politically motivated act by a barbaric regime that has total disregard for human life,” said Cleverly. After the Iranian judiciary’s official news outlet confirmed Alireza Akbari’s execution, on Saturday morning, the UK Prime Minister took to Twitter and said that he is “appalled” and called it a “callous and cowardly act, carried out by a barbaric regime with no respect for the human rights of their own people. My thoughts are with Alireza’s friends and family.” Since then, there has been widespread condemnation of Iran. The UK foreign minister, hours after the execution said, “Iran has executed a British national. This barbaric act deserves condemnation in the strongest possible terms. This will not stand unchallenged. My thoughts are with Alireza Akbari’s family.” The 61-year-old Akbari leaves behind two daughters and a wife who are currently living in the UK. The fallout from Alireza Akbari’s execution In addition to widespread condemnation and criticism, the UK government has since imposed sanctions including a travel ban and asset freeze on Iran’s Prosecutor General, Mohammad Jafar Montazeri and the British foreign minister said he “is at the heart of Iran's use of the death penalty”. ALSO WATCH | Iran executes 2 more men detained amid nationwide protests So far, in what is expected to be a series of steps against Iran, on Saturday, Cleverly said that Britain would temporarily withdraw its ambassador from Iran and is considering further action against Tehran following Akbari’s execution. “It is important to recognise that our response is not necessarily limited to the actions that I’ve announced today,” said the UK foreign minister. The UK had also summoned the Iranian chargé d’affaires while the British ambassador to Tehran, Stephen Shercliff, was also summoned by the Iranian authorities for Britain’s “unconventional interventions”. Tehran also reportedly told Shercliff that “decisive action” to protect Iran’s national security will not “depend on the consent of other governments, including England”. ALSO WATCH | Iran executes 2 more protesters; Khamenei appoints new national police chief Reports suggest that the UK will be planning to coordinate with the European Union to formally declare Iran’s IRGC a terrorist organisation which would make it a criminal offence to belong to or participate in the group’s activities in Britain. Notably, this is not the first time that the UK is considering this move. In a press conference, last year, the MI5 chief had said that Iran had planned at least 10 plots to, “kidnap or even kill British or UK-based individuals perceived as enemies of the regime,” since the beginning of 2022 alone. ALSO READ | UK: MI5 chief says expulsion of Russian spies from Europe is a ‘significant strategic blow’ to Moscow After Akbari’s execution France also in “full solidarity with the British authorities”, extending their condolences said at the minister’s request summoned the chargé d’affaires of the Iranian Embassy in Paris to “express our outrage”. In a statement, the French government said that they also issued a warning to him and said, “Iran’s repeated violations of international law cannot go unanswered, especially when it comes to the treatment of the foreign nationals the country arbitrarily detains.” French President Emmanuel Macron called the British-Iranian dual national’s execution an “odious and barbaric act.” He added, “His name adds to too long a list of victims of repression and the death penalty in Iran.” Meanwhile, the US State Department also described the execution as politically motivated and unjust while the US ambassador to the UK called it “appalling and sickening”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Who is Alireza Akbari the British-Iranian dual national executed by Iran for ‘spying’?

Widespread outrage has been witnessed after British-Iranian Alireza Akbari was executed. He was handed death sentence on charges of spying for Britain.

Iran faces global backlash for Akbari's execution

Iranian chess referee Shohreh Bayat's gesture in solidarity with female compatriots has caused a feud with the global body. She wore a “Women, Life, Freedom” T-shirt at a prestigious tournament. Watch further to know more.

Iranian chess arbiter feud with the governing body over women’s solidarity

Iranian judiciary's Mizan news agency said on Saturday (January 14) that British-Iranian national Alireza Akbari had been executed. He was handed death sentence on charges of spying for Britain. British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly had sounded a warning on Friday against Akbari's execution. Cleverly had termed Akbari's death sentence to be politically motivated and had called for his immediate release.

"Alireza Akbari, who was sentenced to death on charges of corruption on earth and extensive action against the country’s internal and external security through espionage for the British government's intelligence service ... was executed,” Mizan said in a tweet.

It accused him of receiving 1,805,000 euros, 265,000 pounds, and $50,000 for spying.

In an audio recording broadcast by BBC Persian on Wednesday, Akbari said he had confessed to crimes he had not committed after extensive torture.

Iranian state media broadcast a video on Thursday that they said showed that Akbari played a role in the 2020 assassination of Iran's top nuclear scientist, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, killed in a 2020 attack outside Tehran which authorities blamed at the time on Israel.

In the video, Akbari did not confess to involvement in the assassination but said a British agent had asked for information about Fakhrizadeh.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iranian judiciary's Mizan news agency said on Saturday (January 14) that British-Iranian national Alireza Akbari had been executed. He was handed death sentence on charges of spying for Britain.

Iranian judiciary's Mizan news agency said on Saturday (January 14) that British-Iranian national Alireza Akbari had been executed. He was handed death sentence on charges of spying for Britain. British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly had sounded a warning on Friday against Akbari's execution. Cleverly had termed Akbari's death sentence to be politically motivated and had called for his immediate release. "Alireza Akbari, who was sentenced to death on charges of corruption on earth and extensive action against the country’s internal and external security through espionage for the British government's intelligence service ... was executed,” Mizan said in a tweet. It accused him of receiving 1,805,000 euros, 265,000 pounds, and $50,000 for spying. In an audio recording broadcast by BBC Persian on Wednesday, Akbari said he had confessed to crimes he had not committed after extensive torture. Iranian state media broadcast a video on Thursday that they said showed that Akbari played a role in the 2020 assassination of Iran's top nuclear scientist, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, killed in a 2020 attack outside Tehran which authorities blamed at the time on Israel. In the video, Akbari did not confess to involvement in the assassination but said a British agent had asked for information about Fakhrizadeh. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran executes British-Iranian national for alleged spying, says report

Britain has said that it will impose sanctions on Iran's prosecutor general Mohammad Jafar Montazeri, following the execution of dual British citizen Alireza Akbari on spying accusations.

"The UK has sanctioned Iran's Prosecutor General. Sanctioning him today underlines our disgust at Alireza Akbari's execution. The Prosecutor General is at the heart of Iran's use of the death penalty. We're holding the regime to account for its appalling human rights violations," Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said in a tweet.

The Iranian judiciary's official news outlet Mizan on Saturday reported that Akbari, who is a British-Iranian dual national, was executed, without specifying when the execution took place.

The former deputy Iranian defence minister was arrested in 2019 and was convicted of spying for the UK. Iran’s intelligence ministry had described the British-Iranian as "one of the most important agents of the British intelligence service in Iran". &nbsp;But Akbari denied of any wrongdoing.

Several nations joined the UK in condemning Iran for the act and lashed&nbsp;out at the ruling regime.

Britain’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described the execution as a "callous and cowardly act, carried out by a barbaric regime".

The United States had also joined calls, with US diplomat Vedant Patel saying that "his execution would be unconscionable" and condemned the charges against him as "politically motivated".

France summoned Iran's top diplomat in Paris to lodge a protest over Akbari's execution while issuing a warning that Iran's "repeated violations of international law cannot go unanswered".

The UK Foreign Office has been clamouring for Akbari’s release and repeatedly raised the issue with Iranian officials. They even sought consular access, but Iran's government does not recognise dual nationality for Iranians.

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Britain has said that it will impose sanctions on Iran's prosecutor general Mohammad Jafar Montazeri, following the execution of dual British citizen Alireza Akbari on spying accusations.

Britain has said that it will impose sanctions on Iran's prosecutor general Mohammad Jafar Montazeri, following the execution of dual British citizen Alireza Akbari on spying accusations. "The UK has sanctioned Iran's Prosecutor General. Sanctioning him today underlines our disgust at Alireza Akbari's execution. The Prosecutor General is at the heart of Iran's use of the death penalty. We're holding the regime to account for its appalling human rights violations," Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said in a tweet. The Iranian judiciary's official news outlet Mizan on Saturday reported that Akbari, who is a British-Iranian dual national, was executed, without specifying when the execution took place. The former deputy Iranian defence minister was arrested in 2019 and was convicted of spying for the UK. Iran’s intelligence ministry had described the British-Iranian as "one of the most important agents of the British intelligence service in Iran". But Akbari denied of any wrongdoing. Several nations joined the UK in condemning Iran for the act and lashed out at the ruling regime. Britain’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described the execution as a "callous and cowardly act, carried out by a barbaric regime". The United States had also joined calls, with US diplomat Vedant Patel saying that "his execution would be unconscionable" and condemned the charges against him as "politically motivated". France summoned Iran's top diplomat in Paris to lodge a protest over Akbari's execution while issuing a warning that Iran's "repeated violations of international law cannot go unanswered". The UK Foreign Office has been clamouring for Akbari’s release and repeatedly raised the issue with Iranian officials. They even sought consular access, but Iran's government does not recognise dual nationality for Iranians. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

UK sanctions Iran's prosecutor over British-Iranian citizen’s execution

Iran: Alireza Akbari executed on charges of being a British spy, UK condemns execution

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Iran executes Alireza Akbari for being a British Spy

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Iran has sentenced a former top defence officer&nbsp;Ali Reza Akbari to death, after being found guilty of espionage for the United Kingdom, state-affiliated media reported on Wednesday.&nbsp;As per reports&nbsp;from&nbsp;the semi-official Tasnim news agency, the judiciary declared Ali Reza Akbari, who served as deputy defence minister until 2001, to be a "key spy" for British intelligence. It claimed that Iranian intelligence uncovered&nbsp;the espionage by giving him false information.&nbsp;

Additionally, Tasnim news agency claimed that Akbari had&nbsp;spied on previous nuclear negotiations between Iran and Western governments. Under President Mohammad Khatami, a reformer who advocated for better ties with the West, Akbari held the office&nbsp;of deputy defence minister.

Iran has been engaged in a shadow war with the US and Israel for several years that has been characterised by covert strikes against Iran's contentious nuclear programme. Foreign intelligence services had made significant gains, as evidenced by the killing of Iran's top nuclear scientist in 2020, which Iran claimed Israel was responsible for.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-jailed-activist-sepideh-qolian-writes-letter-describing-brutality-in-jail-551523">Iran: Jailed activist Sepideh Qolian writes letter describing brutality in prison&nbsp;</a>

Akbari, who was the head of a private think tank, hasn't been spotted in the streets since 2019, when he was reportedly detained.

His trial's specifics have not been made public by the authorities. Those accused of espionage and other offences involving national security are often prosecuted covertly, where, according to rights organisations, they are not allowed&nbsp;to choose their own attorneys and cannot view the evidence against them.

Also watch |&nbsp;Iran's prominent rights activist sentenced to five years in prison

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The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hm-zara-among-brands-accused-of-unfairly-treating-bangladesh-suppliers-paid-them-less-than-production-costs-551622">UK</a> Foreign Office was requested to intercede to stop his impending execution, reported the Guardian following which&nbsp;UK foreign secretary, James Cleverly, urged the Iranian government not to go ahead with its&nbsp;plans to execute Akbari.

“Iran must halt the execution of British-Iranian national Alireza Akbari and immediately release him. This is a politically motivated act by a barbaric regime that has total disregard for human life,”&nbsp;Cleverly said.

Akbari’s wife, Maryam Akbari, told the Guardian that her husband is a patriot and was a victim of Iranian factional power politics.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Iran has sentenced a former top defence officer Ali Reza Akbari to death, after being found guilty of espionage for the United Kingdom, state-affiliated media reported on Wednesday.

Iran has sentenced a former top defence officer Ali Reza Akbari to death, after being found guilty of espionage for the United Kingdom, state-affiliated media reported on Wednesday. As per reports from the semi-official Tasnim news agency, the judiciary declared Ali Reza Akbari, who served as deputy defence minister until 2001, to be a "key spy" for British intelligence. It claimed that Iranian intelligence uncovered the espionage by giving him false information. Additionally, Tasnim news agency claimed that Akbari had spied on previous nuclear negotiations between Iran and Western governments. Under President Mohammad Khatami, a reformer who advocated for better ties with the West, Akbari held the office of deputy defence minister. Iran has been engaged in a shadow war with the US and Israel for several years that has been characterised by covert strikes against Iran's contentious nuclear programme. Foreign intelligence services had made significant gains, as evidenced by the killing of Iran's top nuclear scientist in 2020, which Iran claimed Israel was responsible for. Also read | Iran: Jailed activist Sepideh Qolian writes letter describing brutality in prison Akbari, who was the head of a private think tank, hasn't been spotted in the streets since 2019, when he was reportedly detained. His trial's specifics have not been made public by the authorities. Those accused of espionage and other offences involving national security are often prosecuted covertly, where, according to rights organisations, they are not allowed to choose their own attorneys and cannot view the evidence against them. Also watch | Iran's prominent rights activist sentenced to five years in prison The UK Foreign Office was requested to intercede to stop his impending execution, reported the Guardian following which UK foreign secretary, James Cleverly, urged the Iranian government not to go ahead with its plans to execute Akbari. “Iran must halt the execution of British-Iranian national Alireza Akbari and immediately release him. This is a politically motivated act by a barbaric regime that has total disregard for human life,” Cleverly said. Akbari’s wife, Maryam Akbari, told the Guardian that her husband is a patriot and was a victim of Iranian factional power politics. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Iran sentences ex-deputy defence minister to death over alleged espionage for the UK

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday vowed to oppose any attempt to establish military outposts along Israel's borders with Lebanon and Syria, warning Iran and its Lebanese proxy Hezbollah of "red lines."

On Tuesday, Netanyahu, along with Defence Minister Yoav Gallant visited the military's Northern Command headquarters in the city of Safed. Despite the border's relative calm,&nbsp;Netanyahu seems to have adopted a combative attitude,&nbsp;The Times of Israel reported.

“The main enemy we are facing is the terror regime in Iran and its satellites in Syria and Lebanon,” Netanyahu said.

“We are determined to fight Iran’s attempts to develop a nuclear arsenal. We are determined to fight any attempt by Iran to entrench itself on our northern military frontier in Syria. We are determined to fight all attempts by Hezbollah to show aggression against us from Lebanon. And we will remind those who need to be reminded of our red lines in this matter,” The Jerusalem Post quoted Netanyahu, as saying.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionnews.com/middle-east/israel-benjamin-netanyahus-new-government-to-be-sworn-in-eli-cohen-nominated-as-foreign-minister-547692" hreflang="en">Benjamin Netanyahu sworn in as Israel's Prime Minister, heads country's most right-wing govt ever</a>

Adding that peace is an "important goal," Gallant pledged to stop Iran’s military entrenchment in Syria and to “cut off the channels used to transfer Iranian weapons to Lebanon and Hezbollah.”

“The quiet in the north is an important goal. Therefore, along with maintaining calm, we will act powerfully against any attempt to harm Israeli citizens and IDF soldiers,” he added, The Times of Israel reported.&nbsp;

Netanyahu paid a visit to the north one day after speaking to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) about the threat posed by Iran's pursuit of nuclear armament and the significance of forging a shared stance between Jerusalem and Washington against the Islamic Republic.

On Wednesday, the army is slated to undertake a military exercise in the Galilee Panhandle that includes artillery firing toward the Mount Dov region near the Lebanon border. Mount Dove, also known as Sheba Farms is a disputed territory that Israel, Lebanon, and Syria all claim as their own.

Israel and Lebanon are still technically at war, and the border witnesses occasional confrontations.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/videos/netanyahu-government-we-are-not-here-to-harm-anyone-even-palestinians-israel-548021" hreflang="en">Netanyahu Government: 'We are not here to harm anyone, even Palestinians'</a>

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Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer is currently in the US where he visited with Biden administration officials to discuss Iran and the&nbsp;US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan is scheduled to visit Israel later this month.

With a tenure spanning from 2009 until 2021, Netanyahu is the longest-serving prime minister of Israel. His return as the Prime Minister in December marks his sixth term in office.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday vowed to oppose any attempt to establish military outposts along Israel's borders with Lebanon and Syria, warning Iran and its Lebanese proxy Hezbollah of "red lines.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday vowed to oppose any attempt to establish military outposts along Israel's borders with Lebanon and Syria, warning Iran and its Lebanese proxy Hezbollah of "red lines." On Tuesday, Netanyahu, along with Defence Minister Yoav Gallant visited the military's Northern Command headquarters in the city of Safed. Despite the border's relative calm, Netanyahu seems to have adopted a combative attitude, The Times of Israel reported. “The main enemy we are facing is the terror regime in Iran and its satellites in Syria and Lebanon,” Netanyahu said. “We are determined to fight Iran’s attempts to develop a nuclear arsenal. We are determined to fight any attempt by Iran to entrench itself on our northern military frontier in Syria. We are determined to fight all attempts by Hezbollah to show aggression against us from Lebanon. And we will remind those who need to be reminded of our red lines in this matter,” The Jerusalem Post quoted Netanyahu, as saying. Also Read | Benjamin Netanyahu sworn in as Israel's Prime Minister, heads country's most right-wing govt ever Adding that peace is an "important goal," Gallant pledged to stop Iran’s military entrenchment in Syria and to “cut off the channels used to transfer Iranian weapons to Lebanon and Hezbollah.” “The quiet in the north is an important goal. Therefore, along with maintaining calm, we will act powerfully against any attempt to harm Israeli citizens and IDF soldiers,” he added, The Times of Israel reported. Netanyahu paid a visit to the north one day after speaking to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) about the threat posed by Iran's pursuit of nuclear armament and the significance of forging a shared stance between Jerusalem and Washington against the Islamic Republic. On Wednesday, the army is slated to undertake a military exercise in the Galilee Panhandle that includes artillery firing toward the Mount Dov region near the Lebanon border. Mount Dove, also known as Sheba Farms is a disputed territory that Israel, Lebanon, and Syria all claim as their own. Israel and Lebanon are still technically at war, and the border witnesses occasional confrontations. Watch | Netanyahu Government: 'We are not here to harm anyone, even Palestinians' Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer is currently in the US where he visited with Biden administration officials to discuss Iran and the US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan is scheduled to visit Israel later this month. With a tenure spanning from 2009 until 2021, Netanyahu is the longest-serving prime minister of Israel. His return as the Prime Minister in December marks his sixth term in office. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

War games: Netanyahu warns Iran, Hezbollah of ‘red lines’ on Lebanon border

Russia and Iran are reportedly drawing out plans for a new shipping corridor with India in order to bypass the European sanctions, Nikkei Asia has reported.&nbsp;The plan is being formulated as a countermeasure to the US-led push for "friendshoring," an effort to relocate supply chains to allies and friendly countries.&nbsp;However, India, which has not announced any sanctions against both countries, is yet to respond regarding the new trade corridor. It neither joined the West in condemning Russia over the war nor commented on the anti-government protests in Iran.

Iran has already been working to expand its railway and road infrastructure, pitting itself to be a potential transport hub between Asia, Russia and Europe.

Tehran has constructed 3,300 kilometres of railways throughout across the country, while 6,000 km of highways are also under construction, with 1,000 km set to finish by March, Nikkei Asia quoted a senior Iranian official.

<h2>Russian mercenaries claim to capture Ukraine's Soledar amid fierce fighting</h2>

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Apart from that, the Islamic country in 2022 opened a four-lane highway linking the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf.

Back in 2002, Iran, Russia and India signed an agreement for the construction of the International North-South Transport Corridor, connecting India and Russia through Iran and Azerbaijan, bypassing the Suez Canal.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-russias-mercenary-group-wagner-claims-to-control-soledar-city-551459">Russia responds to Wagner’s claim of control over Soledar, says fight for city ongoing</a>

Russia wants to exploit this corridor to boost its exports to South Asian countries via Iran and cut reliance on Europe.

In July, Russian President Vladimir Putin met his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi in Tehran, where both agreed on the need to complete the construction of the Rasht-Astara rail link in northern Iran, which is part of the proposed route.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russia and Iran are reportedly drawing out plans for a new shipping corridor with India in order to bypass the European sanctions, Nikkei Asia has reported. The plan is being formulated as a countermeasure to the US-led push for "friendshoring," an effort to relocate supply chains to allies and friendly countries.

Russia and Iran are reportedly drawing out plans for a new shipping corridor with India in order to bypass the European sanctions, Nikkei Asia has reported. The plan is being formulated as a countermeasure to the US-led push for "friendshoring," an effort to relocate supply chains to allies and friendly countries. However, India, which has not announced any sanctions against both countries, is yet to respond regarding the new trade corridor. It neither joined the West in condemning Russia over the war nor commented on the anti-government protests in Iran. Iran has already been working to expand its railway and road infrastructure, pitting itself to be a potential transport hub between Asia, Russia and Europe. Tehran has constructed 3,300 kilometres of railways throughout across the country, while 6,000 km of highways are also under construction, with 1,000 km set to finish by March, Nikkei Asia quoted a senior Iranian official. Russian mercenaries claim to capture Ukraine's Soledar amid fierce fighting Apart from that, the Islamic country in 2022 opened a four-lane highway linking the Caspian Sea and the Persian Gulf. Back in 2002, Iran, Russia and India signed an agreement for the construction of the International North-South Transport Corridor, connecting India and Russia through Iran and Azerbaijan, bypassing the Suez Canal. Also read | Russia responds to Wagner’s claim of control over Soledar, says fight for city ongoing Russia wants to exploit this corridor to boost its exports to South Asian countries via Iran and cut reliance on Europe. In July, Russian President Vladimir Putin met his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi in Tehran, where both agreed on the need to complete the construction of the Rasht-Astara rail link in northern Iran, which is part of the proposed route. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Iran, Russia working on new trade route with India to bypass Western sanctions: Report

Iran's prominent rights activist and daughter of the former President has been sentenced to five years in jail. Faezeh Hashemi's lawyer says that she has been charged over propaganda against the system.

Iran's prominent rights activist sentenced to five years in prison

Sepideh Qolian, on of Iran's most prominent women activist has described the torture and interrogation that has been taking place in Iran's notorious Evin prison. BBC reported that Qolian has written a letter from inside the jail. She is serving a five-year jail sentence handed in 2018 for what the courts termed actions 'against national security.' At the time, she had supported a strike.

In her letter, she has described the brutal treatment she herself received along with other inmates.

Iran is still witnessing protests that started after the custodial death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini. She was detained by Iran's morality police over her 'improper' attire.

"In the fourth year of my imprisonment I can finally hear the footsteps of liberation from all across Iran," says Qolian in her letter as quoted by the BBC.

"The echoes of 'Woman, Life, Freedom' can be heard even through the thick walls of Evin prison."

In her letter, she says that a part of Evin prison has been turned into "torture and interrogation" building.

Qolian, who is studying law inside the prison, has described how those detained or arrested are interrogated in the exam room.

"The exam room is filled with young boys and girls and the shouts of torturers can be heard," she says in her letter.

On Iran's state-run television, dozens of confessions have been aired till now. There are allegations that these confessions are forced and often obtained under torture.

In her letter, Qolian has described a scene she witnessed on December 28, 2022.

"It's freezing cold and snowing, near the exit door of the building, a young boy blindfolded and wearing nothing but a thin grey T-shirt is sat in front of an interrogator"&nbsp;

"He's shaking and pleading: 'I swear to God I didn't beat anyone.' They want him to confess. As I am passing I shout: 'DO NOT confess,' and 'Death to you tyrants.'"

According to Human Rights Activists' News Agency (HRANA), Iranian authorities have made 19,300 arrests. So far, at least 519 protesters have been killed. These include 69 children.

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Sepideh Qolian, on of Iran's most prominent women activist has described the torture and interrogation that has been taking place in Iran's notorious Evin prison.

Sepideh Qolian, on of Iran's most prominent women activist has described the torture and interrogation that has been taking place in Iran's notorious Evin prison. BBC reported that Qolian has written a letter from inside the jail. She is serving a five-year jail sentence handed in 2018 for what the courts termed actions 'against national security.' At the time, she had supported a strike. In her letter, she has described the brutal treatment she herself received along with other inmates. Iran is still witnessing protests that started after the custodial death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini. She was detained by Iran's morality police over her 'improper' attire. "In the fourth year of my imprisonment I can finally hear the footsteps of liberation from all across Iran," says Qolian in her letter as quoted by the BBC. "The echoes of 'Woman, Life, Freedom' can be heard even through the thick walls of Evin prison." In her letter, she says that a part of Evin prison has been turned into "torture and interrogation" building. Qolian, who is studying law inside the prison, has described how those detained or arrested are interrogated in the exam room. "The exam room is filled with young boys and girls and the shouts of torturers can be heard," she says in her letter. On Iran's state-run television, dozens of confessions have been aired till now. There are allegations that these confessions are forced and often obtained under torture. In her letter, Qolian has described a scene she witnessed on December 28, 2022. "It's freezing cold and snowing, near the exit door of the building, a young boy blindfolded and wearing nothing but a thin grey T-shirt is sat in front of an interrogator" "He's shaking and pleading: 'I swear to God I didn't beat anyone.' They want him to confess. As I am passing I shout: 'DO NOT confess,' and 'Death to you tyrants.'" According to Human Rights Activists' News Agency (HRANA), Iranian authorities have made 19,300 arrests. So far, at least 519 protesters have been killed. These include 69 children. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Iran: Jailed activist Sepideh Qolian writes letter describing brutality in prison

Amid the executions and growing protests in Iran, local media has reported citing unnamed police source that the government is set to impose a new phase of a plan to enforce hijab across the country.

Iran: Women ordered to wear headscarves even in cars, receive warning over text message

Iran said it executed two men Saturday convicted of allegedly killing a paramilitary volunteer during a demonstration. Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei appointed on Saturday a new police chief, nearly four months into protests triggered by Mahsa Amini's death.

Iran executes 2 more protesters; Khamenei appoints new national police chief

Iran is in the midst of implementing new methods to enforce the Hijab law, requiring women to dress modestly and wear headscarves in public places, which includes imposing a fine, denying employment and even barring&nbsp;those without a headscarf from leaving the country, said reports.

Earlier this year, the Islamic republic faced widespread protests sparked by Mahsa Amini's death in police custody following her arrest for alleged breach of the Islamic republic's dress code for women by the country’s morality police for ‘inappropriate’ attire.&nbsp;

“Observance of hijab is a legal issue and one of our religious values. Most of our women also observe this issue,” said Iran’s Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi to the Rouydad24 website, on Friday.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/women-must-wear-headscarves-even-in-cars-iranian-police-resume-warnings-548804">Women must wear headscarves even in cars, Iranian police resume warnings&nbsp;</a>

Reportedly, he was defending his decision after media reports alleged that Iranian police have resumed warning women over headscarves as many received a warning via SMS about removing their hijabs inside their car, in the past week or so.&nbsp;

A report by the Fars news agency, which is supposedly affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), citing an anonymous senior police officer source, told them that the new phase of a plan to enforce hijab has commenced across the country, which includes the warning SMS.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-women-ordered-to-wear-headscarves-even-in-cars-receive-warning-over-text-message-550518">Iran: Women ordered to wear headscarves even in cars, receive warning over text message</a>

The development comes after a lawmaker in December reportedly said that the regime is making some decisions about the hijab rules and that the methods of enforcing them may change. “It is possible that women who do not observe hijab would be informed via SMS, asking them to respect the law,” said a report by Iran International citing the official.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-executes-2-more-protesters-khamenei-appoints-new-national-police-chief-550388">Iran executes 2 more protesters; Khamenei appoints new national police chief</a>

It added, “After notifying them, we enter the warning stage... and last, the bank account of the person who unveiled may be blocked.” Additionally, a report by Reformist Shargh Daily, on Thursday (January 5) claimed that the new measures include banning those without headscarves from leaving the country, denying them access to public services, employment and even community services as well as imposing fines.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Iran is in the midst of implementing new methods to enforce the Hijab law, requiring women to dress modestly and wear headscarves in public places, which includes imposing a fine, denying employment and even barring those without a headscarf from leaving the country, said reports.

Iran is in the midst of implementing new methods to enforce the Hijab law, requiring women to dress modestly and wear headscarves in public places, which includes imposing a fine, denying employment and even barring those without a headscarf from leaving the country, said reports. Earlier this year, the Islamic republic faced widespread protests sparked by Mahsa Amini's death in police custody following her arrest for alleged breach of the Islamic republic's dress code for women by the country’s morality police for ‘inappropriate’ attire. “Observance of hijab is a legal issue and one of our religious values. Most of our women also observe this issue,” said Iran’s Interior Minister Ahmad Vahidi to the Rouydad24 website, on Friday. ALSO READ | Women must wear headscarves even in cars, Iranian police resume warnings Reportedly, he was defending his decision after media reports alleged that Iranian police have resumed warning women over headscarves as many received a warning via SMS about removing their hijabs inside their car, in the past week or so. A report by the Fars news agency, which is supposedly affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), citing an anonymous senior police officer source, told them that the new phase of a plan to enforce hijab has commenced across the country, which includes the warning SMS. ALSO WATCH | Iran: Women ordered to wear headscarves even in cars, receive warning over text message The development comes after a lawmaker in December reportedly said that the regime is making some decisions about the hijab rules and that the methods of enforcing them may change. “It is possible that women who do not observe hijab would be informed via SMS, asking them to respect the law,” said a report by Iran International citing the official. ALSO WATCH | Iran executes 2 more protesters; Khamenei appoints new national police chief It added, “After notifying them, we enter the warning stage... and last, the bank account of the person who unveiled may be blocked.” Additionally, a report by Reformist Shargh Daily, on Thursday (January 5) claimed that the new measures include banning those without headscarves from leaving the country, denying them access to public services, employment and even community services as well as imposing fines. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iran finds new methods to enforce Hijab law, terms it part of religious values: Reports

A 32-year-old Iranian man was arrested in western Germany on suspicion of planning an attack with deadly chemicals, according to police officials on Sunday (January 8).

A 32-year-old Iranian man was arrested in western Germany on suspicion of planning an attack with deadly chemicals, according to police officials on Sunday (January 8). An official statement said the police officers searched a residence in the Castrop-Rauxel town for "toxic substances" intended to carry out an attack. Several days back, authorities were tipped off about an attack with a chemical bomb by a foreign intelligence service, a report by Bild said. ALSO READ | Security concerns raised after Chinese tracking device found in UK govt car: Report A report by the news agency AFP, citing local media, said raids at the residence in Castrop-Rauxel were carried out by agents dressed in protective suits. A 32-year-old Iranian man has been arrested from the Castrop-Rauxel town, northwest of Dortmund in Germany on suspicion of planning an attack with deadly chemicals, officials said Sunday. They added that the man is suspected to have planned an attack motivated by Islamic extremism, for which he had obtained the potent toxins cyanide and ricin. The Iranian man, who was arrested shortly before Saturday midnight, was "suspected of having prepared a serious act of violence threatening the security of the state by obtaining cyanide and ricin with a view to committing an Islamist attack," investigators said on Sunday. Ricin, a highly toxic substance, is classified as a chemical weapon in Germany. It can cause death within 36 to 72 hours of exposure, depending on the route of exposure (inhalation, ingestion, or injection) and the dose received, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). ALSO READ | Wikipedia denies claim that Saudi govt ‘infiltrated’ its team in Gulf The police, meanwhile, said the Iranian man will be presented to an investigating judge in the coming days ahead of possible pre-trial detention. The police also said that another person, said to be the man's brother, has been taken into custody, the AFP report said. Back in 2018, a Tunisian couple was arrested by German authorities on suspicion of planning a biological bomb attack in the country. The couple, who were sympathisers of the Islamic state, possessed 84 milligrams of Ricin in their apartment in Cologne. The man and the woman were sentenced to 10 and eight years imprisonment respectively. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Germany: Iranian man, suspected of chemical attack plot, arrested

Iranian authorities executed two men on Saturday (January 7) for killing a security forces official during anti-hijab protests sparked by the death of 22-year-old Kurdish-Iranian woman Mahsa Amini in police custody. The&nbsp;two men,&nbsp;Mohammad Mehdi Karami and Seyyed Mohammad Hosseini,&nbsp;were convicted of killing Ruhollah Ajamian,&nbsp;a member of the Basij paramilitary force militia. They were sentenced to death in early December last year.&nbsp;

"Mohammad Mehdi Karami and Seyyed Mohammad Hosseini, principal perpetrators of the crime that led to the unjust martyrdom of Ruhollah Ajamian were hanged this morning," the judiciary said in a statement on Saturday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/iranian-actress-taraneh-alidoosti-walks-out-of-jail-18-days-later-without-wearing-a-hijab-549624">Iranian actress Taraneh Alidoosti gets bail after 18 days, walks out of jail without wearing a hijab</a>

A report by the news agency Reuters said that three others have been sentenced to death in the same case and 11 others received prison sentences.&nbsp;

Saturday's hangings double the number of executions to four over the anti-hijab protests.&nbsp;

Amnesty International said the court that convicted 22-year-old Mohammad Mehdi Karami relied on forced confessions. Karami's father told the Iranian media that a family lawyer was unable to access his son's case file, news agency AFP reported on Saturday.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Seyyed Mohammad Hosseini's lawyer Ali Sharifzadeh Ardakani tweeted on December 18 last year that Hosseini was severely tortured and that confessions extracted under torture had no legal basis. Ardakani added Hosseini was beaten with his hands and feet tied up, kicked in the head until he passed out, besides bring and subjected to electric shocks.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/women-must-wear-headscarves-even-in-cars-iranian-police-resume-warnings-548804">Women must wear headscarves even in cars, Iranian police resume warnings</a>

The latest executions in Iran come almost a month after 23-year-old Majidreza Rahnavard was publicly hanged from a crane on December 12. He was sentenced to death for killing two security forces personnel with a knife and injuring four others in Mashad.&nbsp;

The anti-hijab protests in Iran have been going on since mid-September last year after Mahsa Amini died in police custody. Amini was arrested by Iran's morality police for allegedly violating the country's mandatory hijab law. Thousands of protesters have been arrested by authorities.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Iranian authorities executed two men on Saturday (January 7) for killing a security forces official during anti-hijab protests sparked by the death of 22-year-old Kurdish-Iranian woman Mahsa Amini in police custody.

Iranian authorities executed two men on Saturday (January 7) for killing a security forces official during anti-hijab protests sparked by the death of 22-year-old Kurdish-Iranian woman Mahsa Amini in police custody. The two men, Mohammad Mehdi Karami and Seyyed Mohammad Hosseini, were convicted of killing Ruhollah Ajamian, a member of the Basij paramilitary force militia. They were sentenced to death in early December last year. "Mohammad Mehdi Karami and Seyyed Mohammad Hosseini, principal perpetrators of the crime that led to the unjust martyrdom of Ruhollah Ajamian were hanged this morning," the judiciary said in a statement on Saturday. ALSO READ | Iranian actress Taraneh Alidoosti gets bail after 18 days, walks out of jail without wearing a hijab A report by the news agency Reuters said that three others have been sentenced to death in the same case and 11 others received prison sentences. Saturday's hangings double the number of executions to four over the anti-hijab protests. Amnesty International said the court that convicted 22-year-old Mohammad Mehdi Karami relied on forced confessions. Karami's father told the Iranian media that a family lawyer was unable to access his son's case file, news agency AFP reported on Saturday. Meanwhile, Seyyed Mohammad Hosseini's lawyer Ali Sharifzadeh Ardakani tweeted on December 18 last year that Hosseini was severely tortured and that confessions extracted under torture had no legal basis. Ardakani added Hosseini was beaten with his hands and feet tied up, kicked in the head until he passed out, besides bring and subjected to electric shocks. ALSO READ | Women must wear headscarves even in cars, Iranian police resume warnings The latest executions in Iran come almost a month after 23-year-old Majidreza Rahnavard was publicly hanged from a crane on December 12. He was sentenced to death for killing two security forces personnel with a knife and injuring four others in Mashad. The anti-hijab protests in Iran have been going on since mid-September last year after Mahsa Amini died in police custody. Amini was arrested by Iran's morality police for allegedly violating the country's mandatory hijab law. Thousands of protesters have been arrested by authorities. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iran: Two executed for killing security official during anti-hijab protests

Iran tests military attack drones amidst global backlash over helping Russia in its Ukrainian invasion.

The West Asia Post: Iran tests military drone

Sunni worshippers took to the streets for the 14th week in Zahedan after Friday prayers during which the popular cleric Abdolhamid delivered another fiery sermon.

Iran's top Sunni Cleric again slams government

Supreme leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday appointed a new police chief, almost four months after the death of Mahsa Amini which triggered protests across the country.&nbsp;The country has been facing severe unrest since Iranian Kurdish woman Amini, aged 22, died in police custody on September 16 after she was arrested by the morality police for not following the strict Islamic dress code of the country.&nbsp;

Khamenei, who takes the final decision on issues of major state policies and holds the position of Iranian armed forces' commander-in-chief, appointed General Ahmad-Reza Radan who will replace Hossein Ashtari, read a statement issued by the official website of the leader.&nbsp;

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-two-executed-for-killing-security-personnel-during-anti-hijab-protests-550248">Iran: Two executed for killing security personnel during anti-hijab protests</a>

The police department was ordered by Khamenei to "improve its capabilities" and "train specialised forces for various security sectors".&nbsp;

Born in 1963, Radan, initially held the position of deputy police chief from 2008 to 2014 and became the head of the police department's Centre for Strategic Studies.&nbsp;

Ashtari took his place as the deputy after he was made the commander of the force in 2015.&nbsp;

Both Ashtari and Radan started their military career in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.&nbsp;

WATCH | WION Fineprint | Iran &amp; Russia's weapons deal?

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In 2010, the United States sanctioned the new chief, who was later also sanctioned by the European Union, over accusations of "human rights abuses" related to the protests that broke out after the presidential elections of 2009 in Iran.&nbsp;

Announcing the appointment of Radan in a statement, Khamenei expressed "gratitude and satisfaction" with the eight years of Ashtari's service.&nbsp;

The authorities in Iran call the ongoing protests across the country as "riots" and say that hundreds of people, which includes security forces' members, have lost their lives and thousands have been put behind bars.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Supreme leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday appointed a new police chief, almost four months after the death of Mahsa Amini which triggered protests across the country.

Supreme leader of Iran Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday appointed a new police chief, almost four months after the death of Mahsa Amini which triggered protests across the country. The country has been facing severe unrest since Iranian Kurdish woman Amini, aged 22, died in police custody on September 16 after she was arrested by the morality police for not following the strict Islamic dress code of the country. Khamenei, who takes the final decision on issues of major state policies and holds the position of Iranian armed forces' commander-in-chief, appointed General Ahmad-Reza Radan who will replace Hossein Ashtari, read a statement issued by the official website of the leader. ALSO READ| Iran: Two executed for killing security personnel during anti-hijab protests The police department was ordered by Khamenei to "improve its capabilities" and "train specialised forces for various security sectors". Born in 1963, Radan, initially held the position of deputy police chief from 2008 to 2014 and became the head of the police department's Centre for Strategic Studies. Ashtari took his place as the deputy after he was made the commander of the force in 2015. Both Ashtari and Radan started their military career in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. WATCH | WION Fineprint | Iran & Russia's weapons deal? In 2010, the United States sanctioned the new chief, who was later also sanctioned by the European Union, over accusations of "human rights abuses" related to the protests that broke out after the presidential elections of 2009 in Iran. Announcing the appointment of Radan in a statement, Khamenei expressed "gratitude and satisfaction" with the eight years of Ashtari's service. The authorities in Iran call the ongoing protests across the country as "riots" and say that hundreds of people, which includes security forces' members, have lost their lives and thousands have been put behind bars. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran's supreme leader Khamenei appoints new police chief after nationwide protests

Iranian celebrity chef Navab Ebrahimi has been detained allegedly for posting a recipe for cutlets on Instagram on Qasem Soleimani's third death anniversary. His move was seen as a mockery of Soleimani's death. Priyanka Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Iranian celebrity chef detained for sharing cutlet recipe

Top Iranian Sunni cleric says torture of protesters un-Islamic

Meta's subsidiary WhatsApp on Thursday announced that users will now be able to use proxy servers to access the services in countries and regions where the messaging app is blocked.

Meta's subsidiary WhatsApp on Thursday announced that users will now be able to use proxy servers to access the services in countries and regions where the messaging app is blocked. "Today we’re launching proxy support for WhatsApp users all over the world. What this means is we’re putting the power into people’s hands to maintain access to WhatsApp if their connection is blocked or disrupted," read a statement released by the company. "Choosing a proxy enables you to connect to WhatsApp through servers set up by volunteers and organizations around the world dedicated to helping people communicate freely." WhatsApp also referred users to the instructions on how to set up a proxy server and re-establish the connection. The service is available to anyone that has the latest version of WhatsApp. A proxy server, in layman terms, is an 'intermediary' between the users and the internet. It allows them to circumvent censorship attempts and other restrictions to access web services. WATCH | WION Fineprint: 500 million WhatsApp users at risk of data breach × The rollout of the service has been done so keeping in mind the countries where internet lockdowns, especially concerning WhatsApp cause inconvenience to regular users. WhatsApp, in its announcement, cited the example of Iran where internet services have often been disconnected by the regime. "Disruptions like we’ve seen in Iran for months on end, deny people’s human rights and cut people off from receiving urgent help. Though in case these shutdowns continue, we hope this solution helps people wherever there is a need for secure and reliable communication." When the anti-hijab protests in Iran were still in their infancy, the Iranian regime, anticipating the scale of it, restricted access to the internet as well as social media sites such as Instagram and WhatsApp. Internet watchdog NetBlocks reported a "nation-scale loss of connectivity" on network providers in Iran. WhatsApp's new feature allows ordinary Iranians to bypass the shutdowns and access the app and its services. Read more: Iran restricts access to WhatsApp, Instagram amid intensifying protests The Meta-owned platform added that messages on the proxy server will also remain end-to-end encrypted, meaning no one apart from the users will be able to access the message or data. "Your personal messages will still be protected by end-to-end encryption, ensuring they stay between you and the person you’re communicating with and are not visible to anyone in between, not the proxy servers, WhatsApp, or Meta." Read more: WhatsApp releases latest feature that makes it easier for you to message yourself (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WhatsApp announces proxy support feature to circumvent internet shutdowns

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