Three Iranian Doctors Said To Face Death Penalty Over Protests

Iran has reportedly indicted at least three Iranian doctors with "enmity against God" and "corruption on earth", charges that carry death sentences.

According to the Campaign of Baluch Activists, a doctor identified as Ibrahim Rigi was arrested in the eastern city of Zahedan on October 13 while he was returning from the hospital he was working. He is accused of “leading protests” against the clerical regime.  

The two other doctors facing capital punishment are Hamid Qarahasanlo and his wife Farzaneh, from the central city of Karaj. The couple were arrested while attending the funeral ceremony of a victim of the brutal state crackdown on nationwide protests.

Hamid Qarahasanlo is said to be in critical condition after being subjected to severe beating during his detention.

Iran has been gripped by protests demanding more freedoms and women's rights since the September death of a 22-year-old woman in the custody of morality police.

More than 440 people have been killed in the crackdown by security forces on the demonstrations, including dozens of children. Thousands of people have also been arrested. At least six people have so far been sentenced to death over the protests.