Iran Executes Wrestler, Arrests Protesters

0:00This is Cory with the story, keeping you informed on what's happening worldwide. You're listening to Global News today. Iran hanged three young men this week, including a 19-year-old star wrestler named Salah Muhammadi. The executions took place early Thursday in the city of Qom, south of Tehan. They were convicted of waging war against God for allegedly killing two police officers during nationwide protests in January. Those protests erupted in late December and led to Iran's deadliest crackdown since the Islamic Republic began in 1979. Human rights groups estimate more than 7,000 people were killed, and over 50,000 arrested in just over six weeks. The government admitted to around 3,000 deaths. Rights activists are raising alarms over grossly unfair trials, with confessions extracted through torture. They say at least 27 protesters now face def sentences, and over 100 others could too. Most like Amnesty International call these moves away to spread fear and stop more unrest.

1:01Even as the U.S. and Israel continue airstrikes on Iranian targets since late February, authorities have kept up arrest of dissenters. Some detainees from the January protests are among those recently picked up. Experts warned this could signal many more executions ahead for political prisoners. The wrestler stood out in his sport, winning a bronze medal at an international youth tournament last year. With protests raging and war pressing in, Iran's leadership seems focused on crushing internal threats from its own people.