An Iranian protester, Alireza Sepahi, 25, was executed just hours after marrying his imprisoned fiancée in a prison ceremony conducted over the phone.
Sepahi and Mahshad Keshani, 22, were arrested following anti-government protests in Iran earlier this year. With Sepahi facing imminent execution, Keshani reportedly insisted on marrying him before it was too late.
The ceremony took place on October 5, with the couple’s fathers participating by phone. Tehran-based human rights lawyer Amirsalar Davoudi helped conduct the marriage and facilitate the exchange of vows.
According to reports, Keshani’s family could only provide a copy of the Quran, saffron rock candy and a single red rose as a dowry.
Hours after the ceremony, Sepahi was hanged at Isfahan Central Prison alongside another defendant, Alireza Raisi, over their alleged involvement in protests at Alikhani Square in January, during which four security personnel were reportedly killed.
Human rights organisations have raised concerns about the case, alleging that defendants were subjected to torture and forced confessions. Sepahi had reportedly escaped an earlier execution attempt in July after suffering a heart attack on his way to the gallows.
Keshani remains in prison, while Sepahi’s execution has renewed concerns over Iran’s use of the death penalty against protesters.
