Iran Executes Alleged Israeli Spy Amid Rising Execution Rates

Iran executed Mohsen Langarneshin, a 34-year-old accused of spying for Israel’s Mossad and aiding in the assassination of a Revolutionary Guard colonel, drawing condemnation from human rights groups and regime dissidents. Multiple sources report that Langarneshin denied all charges, claiming his confession was extracted under torture and that he was initially detained following the Mahsa Amini protests. Rights groups and his supporters argue the trial was unfair, highlighting a pattern of coerced confessions, lack of evidence, and judicial proceedings overseen by a judge under US and EU sanctions for rights abuses. The execution took place at Ghezelhesar prison near Tehran, as his family held a vigil outside pleading for clemency. This incident comes amid a surge in executions in Iran, raising international concern, with over 330 people hanged so far this year. Iranian authorities maintain that Langarneshin was a 'high-ranking spy,' but activists describe these executions as extrajudicial killings.