Reza Haji Executed for Armed Robbery in Karaj

According to information obtained by Iran Human Rights, a man was executed in Karaj Penitentiary on January 11. His identity has been established as Reza Haji who was sentenced to death on charges of moharebeh through an armed robbery.

Due to their vague definitions, the charges of moharebeh (enmity against god), efsad-fil-arz (corruption on earth) and baghy (armed rebellion) are used for a wide range of offences. Additionally, as they are within the Revolutionary Courts’ jurisdiction, there is considerable subjectivity in the judgements made in the cases.

In 2021, at least 13 people were executed on charges of moharebeh, efsad-fil-arz and baghy. Of those, five were for armed robbery.