Buenos Aires, March 19 (NA)— A young member of Iran's national freestyle wrestling team was among three men executed in Iran on Thursday, according to two sources confirmed to CBS News. Saleh Mohammadi, a 19-year-old member of Iran's national freestyle wrestling team, along with Mehdi Ghasemi and Saeed Davoudi, were accused of killing two police officers during protests against the regime this winter. There was particular concern for Mohammadi's fate, who had competed in international tournaments and, according to Amnesty International, was denied adequate defense, being forced to make 'confessions' in a speedy trial that did not meet the guarantees of a fair trial. Sources indicated they denied the accusations, but ultimately confessed under severe torture, as reported by the American news chain and recorded by the Argentine News Agency. The human rights organization HENGAW, recognized for its monitoring of protests in Iran, stated that the executions were carried out in Qom Central Prison. The convictions were based on the charge of moharebeh—'waging war against God'—and HENGAW reported that the confessions were obtained under torture and coercion. They were the first hangings related to nationwide demonstrations, which received a brutal crackdown by the authorities. Mohammadi and the other two individuals were found guilty of participating in the murder of two police officers and carrying out 'operational activities' in favor of Israel and the United States.
