Iran executes man over ‘mission’ for Israel’s spy agency

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Iran on Saturday executed a man for carrying out a “mission” on behalf of Israel’s spy agency during mass protests in January, the judiciary reported.

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It is the latest in a string of executions since war broke out with Israel and the United States.

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Erfan Kiani was hanged after his sentence was upheld by the country’s Supreme Court, the judiciary’s Mizan Online website said.

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It described Kiani as one of the “main operatives” in a “mission assigned by Mossad” during unrest in the central Iranian province of Isfahan.

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The judiciary accused him of “destruction of public and private property, arson, possession and use of Molotov cocktails, carrying a bladed weapon, blocking vehicle routes, attacking officers, and creating fear and panic among citizens”.

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His execution follows the hanging on Thursday of another man in Iran who was convicted of membership in a banned opposition group.

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Iran has in recent weeks ramped up executions during its war with Israel and the United States that began on February 28.

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Authorities say January’s protests were instigated by Israel, the US and opposition groups, including the banned People’s Mujahedin.

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Since March 19, Iranian authorities have executed nine men on charges linked to the protests.

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Iran is the world’s second most prolific user of the death penalty after China, according to rights groups including Amnesty International.

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