Iran Executes Protesters, Escalating Tensions

0:00On this March 19th, here's what's shaping the world. Iran carried out its first executions tied to last winter's anti-government protests, hanging three men accused of killing police officers. The hangings happened Thursday morning in Kwam Province, north of Tehan, after Iran's Supreme Court confirmed their death sentences. Among them in was 18-year-old Saleh Mahamadi, a member of the National Wrestling Team. State media said all three were convicted of murder and waging war against God, a charge often used against protesters. Rights groups claimed the men confessed under torture and got no fair trial. The protests started over a crashing economy in high living costs, then grew into calls for big political changes across nearly 200 cities. The crackdown killed thousands, including hundreds of kids, according to watchdogs. Just a day earlier, Iran hanged an Iranian Swedish man for spying for Israel, a case Sweden called, Unfair. Americans have boiled over since, with U.S. and Israeli strikes killing Iran's Supreme

1:02Leader. Iran hit back at Israel and U.S. allies in the Gulf, escalating the conflict sharply. This story is made possible by our sponsor, see the episode description. If earbuds fall out when you sleep, this is for you, a pillow with built-in sound, L.O.L.I. SoleyPillo.com