India, March 20 -- Iran executed Saleh Mohammadi, a 19-year-old member of its national wrestling team, Mehdi Ghasemi and Saeed Dovoudi after accusing them of killing two police officers during protests in Qom on January 8. They were charged with 'enmity against God' and alleged ties to Israel and the USA. Such claims are often used against dissidents in the country. According to Human Rights groups, the trials lacked due process, and also involved forced confessions under torture and defence witnesses were also barred.

Mohammadi was a wrestling champion and had taken part in international competitions. According to Amnesty International, he was denied "adequate defence and forced to make 'confessions'... in fast-tracked proceedings that ...