Iran Executes Two Men for Attack on Shi’ite Shrine Claimed by Islamic State
On Saturday, Iran executed two men for their involvement in an attack on a Shi’ite shrine in October, which resulted in the death of at least 13 people. According to Iranian state media, the militant group Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack.
The execution took place at dawn in Shiraz, a city in the southern region of Iran, as reported by the official news agency IRNA. During their trial, the convicted men admitted to having contact with Islamic State members in neighboring Afghanistan and assisting in organizing the assault on the Shah Cheragh shrine in Shiraz, Iranian media revealed.
CCTV footage aired on state TV captured the assailant entering the popular shrine while concealing an assault rifle in a bag. He then proceeded to open fire, causing chaos as worshippers attempted to flee and find shelter in the corridors. The gunman, identified as a citizen of Tajikistan, succumbed to his injuries in a hospital following the attack. Initially, authorities stated that 15 individuals had been killed in the assault, but the figure was later revised to 13.
This is not the first instance where Islamic State has claimed responsibility for violence in Iran. In 2017, the group orchestrated twin attacks targeting the parliament and the tomb of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic.
The execution of the two men has prompted strong reactions from exiled Iranians protesting against the practice of executions and stonings within Iran. Demonstrations took place in Berlin on December 10, 2013, with participants condemning the harsh punishments carried out by Iranian authorities.
The Iranian government continues to grapple with security threats and the influence of militant groups, particularly Islamic State. By taking decisive action against those involved in the attack on the Shi’ite shrine, Iran aims to send a strong message and maintain stability within its borders.