Controversial Execution in Iran Sparks Activist Outcry

On Wednesday, Iran carried out the execution of Babak Shahbazi, a man accused by the state of spying for Israel. Activists, however, argue that Shahbazi was coerced into a false confession after he purportedly offered assistance to Ukraine in its conflict against Russia.

The state's judiciary, through its Mizan news agency, claimed Shahbazi provided Israeli agents with sensitive information concerning Iranian data centers and security sites. Meanwhile, the activist group, Iran Human Rights, contended that the sentence stemmed from Shahbazi's letter to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, not espionage.

Activists express concern over Iran's increasing use of execution for those accused of espionage, as Shahbazi's case is part of a broader crackdown following a brief air war with Israel. The executions have heightened fears among human rights groups about potential waves of politically motivated executions.

(With inputs from agencies.)