IRAN - MAN EXECUTED IN THE KURDISH CITY OF URMIYE

Islamic Republic authorities executed Mohammad Reza Shojai Niko in the Eastern Kurdish city of Urmiye in Western Iran for a crime he was accused of committing 22 years ago. The high court convicted Niko just two years ago of taking part in conspiracies against the Republic and participating in the killing of Iranian Security Forces 22 years ago. In Eastern Kurdistan (Western Iran), Kurdish rebel groups such as the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI) and Komalah have engaged in armed struggles with Islamic Republic Revolutionary Guards in a quest for more economical, democratic and cultural rights for Kurds in Iran. Niko's exact affiliation to any rebel groups is unknown. Niko's execution was carried out at Urmiye Prison.