Iran confirms six death sentences passed in December protests

Mar 15, 2010, 10:10 GMT

Tehran - Iran confirmed that death sentences have been given to at least six protestors in anti-government demonstrations in December, the Fars news agency reported Monday.

Fars quoted Tehran prosecutor Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi as adding, however, that the six cases were going through the appellate court and the sentences had yet to be finalized.

The number of death penalties handed down to protestors involved in the demonstrations that followed June's presidential election has been unclear. According to local reports, 10 protestors were on death row for taking part in the December unrest or attending other protests last year.

Those on death row have been convicted of plotting against the establishment and committing 'moharebeh' - acting against God.

Two members of monarchist groups were hanged in January for conspiring to topple Iran's Islamic establishment.

The 10 people reportedly on death row were arrested during rallies against President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, held to protest the results of June's presidential election.

The opposition has held several demonstrations since June, accusing the government of rigging the vote so Ahmadinejad was re-elected.