Iran Executes Man for Burning Mosque During Protest

Iranian authorities have executed a man convicted of assisting in the burning of a major mosque in the capital, Tehran. The man was also accused of collaborating with Israel and the United States (US) during protests that took place before the war erupted.

A report from the Mizan Online website, managed by Iran’s judiciary, as cited by AFP on Tuesday (21/4/2026), stated that the man, who was executed by hanging, led an Israeli intelligence agency Mossad network in one of the areas in Iran.

“Amir Ali Mirjafari… one of the armed elements collaborating with the enemy who attempted to burn the Grand Gholhak Mosque and was the leader of anti-security activities of the Mossad network in that area, has been hanged this morning,” Mizan Online reported on Tuesday (21/4).

Mizan Online added that the death sentence imposed on Mirjafari had been confirmed by Iran’s Supreme Court before being carried out.

The death penalty, according to Mizan Online, was based on Mirjafari’s actions on behalf of the “Zionist regime, the hostile US government, and groups hostile to state security by burning the Grand Gholhak Mosque and public facilities.”

Mizan Online stated that the incident occurred during protests that broke out in Iran at the end of last December, which initially protested rising living costs before developing into nationwide anti-government demonstrations.

This execution was carried out as Iran, in recent weeks, has executed individuals related to those protests.

Tehran accuses Israel, the US, or opposition groups, including the banned People’s Mujahedin Organisation (MEK), of orchestrating the protests marred by riots.

Since late February, Iran has been at war with the US and Israel, which began with a large-scale joint attack by Washington and Tel Aviv on Tehran. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone attacks on targets in Israel and Gulf countries hosting US military assets.

The fighting has been temporarily halted since a two-week ceasefire was imposed following its announcement on 7 April.