Iran executes three men including 19-year-old national wrestling team member for winter protest killings

Iran executed three men on Thursday March 19, 2026: - Saleh Mohammadi, 19, a member of Iran's national wrestling team - Mehdi Ghasemi - Saeed Davoudi All three were convicted of killing two police officers during protests against the regime in winter 2025-2026. HENGAW human rights organisation confirmed the executions. Two sources confirmed the identities to CBS News. The three men denied the allegations but eventually confessed under what sources described as 'severe torture.' The execution of a 19-year-old national athlete for protest-related charges drew significant international attention, adding to pressure on Iran over its wartime treatment of dissidents. The executions occurred as Iran's government simultaneously prosecuted the war and suppressed internal dissent.