Iran has said that it had executed three men accused of spying for Israel, the day after a truce between the two countries came into effect. They were hanged in the Iranian city of Urmia. According to a statement published by the public relations wing of the judiciary In Iran, the executions took place on Wednesday morning. The executions happened after the Iranian Supreme Court upheld their death sentences, which they say were after ‘extensive legal proceedings’. The three men have been identified as Idris Aali, Azad Shojaei, and Rasoul Ahmad.
What Was The Case Against Them?
Iran’s Version
Three men were convicted of collaborating with Israel’s Mossad spy agency and smuggling bombs and demolition charges into Iran to assassinate distinguished Iranian figures. They were charged with “corruption on earth” (fesad fil arz) and “waging war against God” (moharebeh) through collaboration with hostile foreign agencies at the behest of the Israeli regime.
According to Iranian state-owned Press TV reports, Judicial records indicate that the individuals contacted a key Mossad agent in a neighbouring country and brought devices required for the targeted killings of Iranian dignitaries into the country. They smuggled the remotely-controlled assassination devices under the guise of a consignment of alcoholic beverages, and accordingly could murder an Iranian personality.
The report also said that the trio was tried in court to have their cases examined and decided. It also added that some defendants even had two defence lawyers in court. The report said that after their guilt was proved, and when the court found that the trio had collaborated with the Israeli regime’s spy service, the defendants were sentenced to death. The legal procedures were held at the Revolutionary Court of Urmia.
The apex court later reviewed the initial rulings and upheld them. Following the conclusion of all legal procedures, the sentences were implemented in accordance with the court’s final verdicts.
700 Spies Affiliated With Mossad Arrested
Additionally, as many as 700 people have been arrested across Iran for ties with Israel, in recent weeks amid the Israeli aggression against the country. Iran also said that the security agencies have dismantled many underground drone facilities in Tehran and other cities operated by Mossad agents in recent weeks.
Iran and Israel have been in conflict for many years. Recently, Iran has executed several people who were found guilty of helping Israel’s spy agency, Mossad, operate inside Iran.
A peace agreement (truce) between Iran and Israel was made after the US supported Israel by bombing three nuclear sites in Iran — Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. But the truce started with problems. Both Iran and Israel blamed each other for breaking the agreement. US President Donald Trump reacted strongly and showed his frustration.
