Iran carried out dawn executions of three young protesters on Thursday, just one day before the Iranian New Year celebration. The men, aged 19-22, were hanged on charges related to police officer deaths during January demonstrations in Qom.
Iran carried out the executions of three young demonstrators in the early morning hours Thursday, timing the hangings just one day before the country’s New Year celebrations in what human rights advocates are calling an act of “state terror.”
The three men – Saleh Mohammadi, 19, Saeed Davoudi, 22, and Mehdi Ghasemi, believed to be in his early twenties – were put to death on accusations of “participation in the murder” of law enforcement officers in Qom during violent confrontations that occurred January 8-9.
According to human rights organizations, the trio was detained after authorities violently suppressed the January demonstrations and were compelled through torture to admit guilt to offenses they did not carry out.
The executions took place at dawn in Qom, adding to growing concerns about the fate of hundreds of other detained protesters who may face similar retribution from the regime.
Rights activists maintain that the young men had retracted their coerced confessions when they appeared in court, but were still sentenced to death despite the torture allegations.
Chinese aviation authorities have failed to release their annual investigation update for the second consecutive year regarding a fatal China Eastern Airlines crash that killed 132 people in March 2022. The Boeing 737-800 mysteriously plunged into a hillside during what should have been a routine flight, but families still have no answers about what caused the tragedy.
Japan's Foreign Minister announced that one of two Japanese nationals held in Iran has been freed and is returning home. A second Japanese citizen, reportedly an NHK journalist, remains in Iranian custody after being arrested earlier this year.
The U.S. national flag football team showcased the unique skills needed for their sport by defeating two squads filled with NFL professionals at the inaugural Flag Football Classic in Los Angeles. The tournament served as preparation for flag football's Olympic debut in 2028, with Team USA outpacing competitors including Tom Brady's team and a squad led by Joe Burrow.
Taiwan's defense ministry announced that deliveries of delayed F-16V fighter jets from the United States will commence this year, with production now running at full capacity. The $8 billion weapons deal approved in 2019 has faced multiple setbacks including software issues.