Iran carries out first execution

Iran, also known as Persia or The Islamic Republic is the seventh most populous country in the world and the second largest country in the Middle East. The government of Iran is considered to be an Islamic theocracy and even though they include some of its elements in their presidential system, in reality Iran is fully recognized as an authoritarian government by the modern world. Iran’s authoritarian style of governing has received widespread criticism for its significant constraints and abuses against human rights and civil liberties including, several violent suppressions of mass protests, unfair elections, and limited rights for women and children. Iran is also recognized by the world as both a middle and regional power which means, a sovereign state that exercises significant power within a geographical region. Iran has contributed greatly towards the development of both the ancient and modern world, beginning with the formation of the Elamite kingdoms to becoming a founding member of the United Nations, the ECO, the OIC, and OPEC. It has large reserves of fossil fuels including the second-largest natural gas supply and the third-largest proven oil reserves.

Iran once again is making headlines across the globe. Not for their nuclear ambitions or threats made against Israel but for their handling of their current twenty twenty two protest. Protest in modern society has without a doubt increased due to technological advances such as media creating awareness and social media creating that connection. We see it happening all across the globe with the exception of North Korea of course. Protests to me are very common and can happen for a variety of reasons. For example it could be sponsored. Protest can also be influenced by outside sources where the new norm can go against the culture. As with everything else in life, it’s not what you go through that counts but how you respond and when it comes to the citizens of any nation and protesting, the world is always curious and watching to see how governments in modern society respond. The international community pays close attention to three things, killings, confinements and unfair trials.

Iran has announced the first execution of a protester convicted over the recent anti-government unrest. According to a variety of news media outlets Mohsen Shekari was hanged on Thursday morning after being found guilty, being described as a "rioter" when he blocked a main road in Tehran and wounded a member of a paramilitary force with a machete. His act was described as drawing a weapon "with the intention of killing, causing terror and disturbing the order and security of society" and convicted him of "enmity against God. This Law is normally used to convict kidnappers, rapist and of course terrorists. Unfortunately for the late Mr.Shekari since the law cites incidents and uses terms like require involvement in armed criminal activities, e.g: taking up arms for terrorism and disruption of public safety along with other terms applicable, mentioned and used in articles 183 to 196 of Iran's criminal law. “He was convicted after a "show trial without any due process". Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, director of the Norway-based group Iran Human Rights, said in a statement. On November 1st, the court found Shekari guilty of fighting and drawing a weapon "with the intention of killing, causing terror and disturbing the order and security of society" while convicting him of "enmity against God”. He appealed against the verdict, but it was upheld by the Supreme Court on November 20th. Now I would just like to weigh in on the situation and circumstances. I felt that the Iranian government could have handled the situation a little better more humane such as charging him with simple assault, attempted assault or any type of assault they can find in their law book or constitution. Mr. Shekari committing such an act in the public eye, against a government employee, while disturbing everyday commerce is a serious crime in my eyes and if a situation is explained to me at or on that level I would view it as terrorism. Why? Its government motivated, there was an attempt to harm a government employee and to top it off, an interruption in regular everyday commerce which could have cost the country a few million dollars that day or maybe it didn’t cost a thing. If Mr Shekari was actively protesting in America and even made an attempt like this he would have most likely been shot dead. He may even put himself at risk of dying while in police custody, have other family members and friends investigated charge etc it all depends.

Instead of protesting against his death they should make his death count and take it for what it is. Their government may want to send a strong message and set the example. So they should acknowledged the example continue the protest and try to stay within the boundaries of the law. Even if they decided that the current law is unfair then they should protest change which can be expressed in a variety of ways. I send my deepest condolences  to the Shekari family.

Works Cited

Gritten, D. (2022, Dec 13). Mohsen Shekari: Iran carries out first execution over protests. Retrieved from BBC: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-63900099