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Iran has publicly executed two individuals for their involvement in a deadly attack on a shrine in Shiraz last year. The attack, which was claimed by the ISIS extremist group, targeted the Shah Cheragh Shrine, one of the most important shrines in Shia Islam.
The two men, Mohammed Ramez Rashidi and Naeem Hashem Qatali, were hanged after their sentences were confirmed by the Supreme Court. The attack took place on October 26, 2022, and resulted in the deaths of 13 people, with 40 others injured.
Security camera footage showed a lone gunman entering the shrine and opening fire on pilgrims and staff. The gunman, who was from Tajikistan, was killed by security forces.
ISIS released a video through its Amaq News Agency claiming responsibility for the attack. The group had previously carried out coordinated attacks on the Iranian parliament and the mausoleum of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in Tehran in 2017.
Authorities in Iran arrested several individuals for allegedly supporting the shrine shooter. The two men who were executed were said to have been in contact with ISIS operatives in Afghanistan and provided the gunman with the rifle used in the attack.
In addition to the executions, three other individuals were tried and received prison sentences for their involvement in the attack. Iranian authorities have blamed “riots” backed by foreign powers for undermining the country’s security and facilitating the attack.
The United Nations has raised concerns about the high number of executions in Iran this year, particularly for drug-related offenses. Iran has one of the highest execution rates in the world, with 580 registered executions in 2022.
The execution of the individuals involved in the shrine attack highlights Iran’s commitment to maintaining security and combating terrorism within its borders. However, concerns remain about the use of capital punishment and the potential for human rights abuses in the country..
