The Shadowy Iranian Judge Sending Protesters To Their Death

(RFE/RL’s Radio Farda) Not much is known about Judge Mohammad Reza Tavakoli, except his penchant for handing out harsh punishments. Honored by the Iranian judiciary as an “exemplary judge,” he may be about to add 12 men to the dozens of political prisoners already executed in recent months. On July 5, the country’s Supreme Court upheld the death sentences imposed by Tavakoli on the men for their alleged role in killing special forces officers during protests in Isfahan, in central Iran, on January 8. A recent tally by Amnesty International said there had been 44 “politically motivated executions” under cover of what the authorities call “wartime conditions” since US and Israeli air strikes on Iran began on February 28. There was another on July 15, with the execution of Mohammad Amini Dehaqani for his role in nationwide protests in January. Judge Tavakoli is now set to become responsible for a huge share of the total death sentences carried out. Given his previous record, this should come as no surprise. – The Shadowy Iranian Judge Sending Protesters To Their Death