Credited from: AA
Iran has executed Babak Shahbazi, claiming he spied for Israel's Mossad by providing sensitive information about Iranian data centers and security installations. This action comes as part of a broader effort by Iran to eliminate perceived threats following increased tensions with Israel and its allies, particularly after violent confrontations earlier this year, which led to Shahbazi’s detailed accusations of espionage, including alleged training by Mossad operatives, according to Al Jazeera and aa.
Shahbazi's trial has been heavily criticized by human rights organizations, which alleged that he was tortured to extract confessions. Activists assert that he was arrested after attempting to communicate with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a claim the Iranian government did not publicly acknowledge. Amnesty International described the process as unfair, emphasizing that Shahbazi was denied adequate legal representation and subjected to threats while in custody, according to Newsweek and TRT Global.
His execution represents a significant instance in Iran's recent wave of capital punishment for espionage, which has surged this year following a heightened crackdown since the conflicts in June. Reports indicate that Shahbazi was not the only person executed under similar charges; Iran has conducted several executions recently, reflecting an intensified public approach to suppress dissent and perceived collaboration with foreign agencies, especially Israel, as noted by Al Jazeera, aa, and Newsweek.