Iran Sentences Five Opponents to Death

Five people have been sentenced to death and 81 have received jail terms of up to 15 years in connection with Green Movement street demonstrations after the disputed presidential election last June [IRNA, 17 November].

I believe the death sentences and other harsh verdicts announced today for acts of civil disobedience and street demonstrations would further damage the legitimacy of the current government, solidifying its reputation as an anti-democratic and reactionary government using force and coercion to rule the country.