Iran Sentences Three to Death for Involvement with Terror Group and Attack on Shiite Holy Site

Iran Sentences Three to Death for Involvement with Terror Group and Attack on Shiite Holy Site

Iran's judiciary has sentenced three individuals to death for their involvement with the Islamic State (ISIS) terror group and for attacking a sacred Shiite religious site. Several others have also been sentenced to prison. The verdict was announced by the judiciary on Sunday.

The sentences relate to two deadly shooting incidents that occurred at the Shah Cheragh shrine, a revered site in Shiraz, the capital of Fars province. These attacks took place in October 2022 and August 2023, resulting in the deaths of 15 people in total. The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Fars province’s Chief Justice, Sadrullah Rajaei-Nasab, stated that the three individuals sentenced to death were convicted of “spreading corruption on earth,” a crime that carries the highest punishment under Iranian law. Additionally, they were sentenced to 25 years in prison for “moharebeh” or “enmity against God,” which is also considered a serious crime under Iran’s Islamic penal code.

Two other individuals identified as members of ISIS were sentenced to 15 and 10 years in prison, respectively. Authorities explained that the sentences were based on the degree of their involvement and cooperation in the attacks.

Two female defendants were each sentenced to five years in prison. However, under the Islamic principle of “compassion,” their sentences will be applied in a specific manner. They will be monitored with electronic ankle bracelets and restricted to remain within a one-kilometer radius of their homes, according to Rajaei-Nasab.

These rulings are part of a broader case that also involves charges such as arms trafficking. Some of the sentences have already been appealed to Iran's Supreme Court.

In July 2023, two individuals convicted in connection with the first Shah Cheragh attack were executed in public. Following the second attack in August of that year, nine suspects — all identified as foreign nationals — were arrested. Additionally, a Tajik national linked to ISIS was sentenced to death in September 2023.

The Shah Cheragh shrine, one of southern Iran’s most important Shiite pilgrimage sites, has been targeted by terrorist attacks multiple times in recent years. These incidents highlight the country’s security challenges and the ongoing regional instability.