Iran executes two convicts linked to opposition group

• Iranian judiciary announced the hangings of two men accused of setting fires on behalf of Mossad.
• The exiled Mujahedeen-e-Khalq (MEK) opposition group claimed the men as members and alleged they were tortured.
• The latest hangings bring the total number of MEK members executed since the start of the war to eight.

Iran announced on Monday that it has executed two men accused of setting fire to buildings on behalf of the 'Israeli' intelligence agency, Mossad.

The Iranian judiciary’s Mizan news agency confirmed the hangings, identifying the convicted individuals as Mohammad Masoum Shahi and Hamed Validi.

Read more: ‘Israeli’ soldiers held over suspected Iran-linked espionage in air force

Opposition rejects charges and alleges torture

The exiled Iranian opposition group, the Mujahedeen-e-Khalq (MEK), quickly claimed the two men as its members, specifically identifying Shahi as Nima Shahi.

The MEK strongly disputed the official narrative provided by Tehran. The group alleged that the men were subjected to severe "interrogation and torture" while in custody.

Furthermore, the opposition group claimed the charges were fabricated, asserting that the men were convicted over incidents that allegedly occurred after they had already been detained by authorities.

Broader human rights concerns

These executions bring the total number of MEK members hanged by Iran since the start of the ongoing war to eight.

The executions come amid ongoing international scrutiny of the country's legal system. Human rights organizations and activists continue to condemn Iran's judicial practices, stating that the government routinely conducts closed-door trials where defendants are denied due process and are unable to adequately challenge the accusations leveled against them.