Majidreza Rahnavard: Iran carries out second execution over protests

A video broadcast by state TV after his arrest on 19 November showed Rahnavard blindfolded and with his left arm in a cast. In the footage, he said he did not deny attacking the Basij members, but did not remember the details, because he had not been in the right state of mind.

State TV also showed on Monday what it said was his subsequent "confession" before a Revolutionary Court.

Activists say Iranian state media routinely broadcast false confessions by detainees that have been coerced through torture and other ill-treatment.

Later on Monday, the EU sanctioned Iranian state TV and its director for broadcasting forced confessions. It also imposed sanctions on Iran's army chief and regional commanders of the Revolutionary Guards over the repression of protesters.

Iran has said it plans to sanction several German and British political figures who have denounced Tehran's actions.

The first execution of a protester took place last Thursday, triggering international condemnation. Mohsen Shekari, 23, was convicted of "enmity against God" after being found to have attacked a Basij member with a machete in Tehran.

BBC Persian's Kasra Naji says it is not clear whether the executions will help end the protests that have been sweeping the country or pour fuel on the fire.

Mashhad was the scene of an anti-government demonstration on Sunday night, while people were heard chanting "Martyr of the country Majidreza Rahnavard" in a video apparently filmed at Rahnavard's grave on Monday.

So far, at least 488 protesters have been killed by security forces and 18,259 others have been detained, according to the Human Rights Activists' News Agency (HRANA). It has also reported the deaths of 62 security personnel.

Iran is second only to China in the number of executions carried out annually.

-bbc