PARIS: Iran was slapped with fresh sanctions on Friday after carrying out its first execution over demonstrations that have shaken the regime for nearly three months, as activists called for fresh protests.

Mohsen Shekari, 23, was hanged on Thursday after bei­ng found guilty of “moh­arebeh”, or “enmity against God”, following what rights groups denounced as a show trial, sparking international outcry and warnings that more hangings were imminent.

Britain on Friday anno­unced wide-ranging sanctions against 30 targets worldwide, including officials in Iran whom it accused of pursuing “egregious sentences” against protesters.

European diplomats said the EU was also set to impose more sanctions on Iran for drone supplies to Russia and the protest crackdown.

The sanctions are expected to be formally signed off by foreign ministers meeting in Brussels on Monday.

Published in Dawn, December 10th, 2022