Iran executes man over accusation of aiding US, Israel during anti-govt protests: More details inside

Iran executed a man on Sunday (August 23) accused of carrying a chainsaw during January anti-government protests. He was charged with acting as an agent of the United States and Israel. The judiciary stated that the accused, identified as Majid Adineh, had been convicted of "operational action in favour of hostile groups" in nationwide rallies that erupted late last year.

He is among several individuals executed in connection with the unrest, which stemmed from economic hardships in Iran. According to a report published Sunday by the judiciary's Mizan Online outlet, Adineh faced charges of deliberate arson, along with gathering and collusion to commit crimes against the country's internal security.

"Based on numerous documents and evidence in the case and the defendant's statements, the Karaj Revolutionary Court sentenced him to death and confiscation of all his property." His appeal was rejected, with the Supreme Court affirming the original ruling, and the sentence was carried out on Sunday morning, per Mizan.

Unrest began in 2025

Mizan also reported that Adineh and a second suspect were detained on January 9 in Alborz province, located west of Tehran, and were found in possession of a handgun, ammunition, two stun guns, two canisters of tear gas, a battery-powered chainsaw, and gasoline.

The unrest began in late December over frustration with rising costs of living, but quickly escalated into broader demonstrations against the government, reaching their height on January 8 and 9. Iranian officials say the violence resulted in over 3,000 deaths, blaming the bloodshed on what they characterised as terrorism directed by the US and Israel.