Execution of protester: West hits Iran with fresh sanctions

Iran was slapped with fresh sanctions yesterday after carrying out its first execution over demonstrations that have shaken the regime for nearly three months, as activists called for fresh protests.

Mohsen Shekari, 23, was hanged Thursday after being found guilty of "moharebeh", or "enmity against God", following what rights groups denounced as a show trial, sparking international outcry and warnings that more hangings were imminent.

The judiciary said Shekari was arrested after blocking a Tehran street and striking a member of the Basij paramilitary force with a machete -- a wound that required 13 stitches.

The Islamic republic said late Thursday it was exercising "utmost restraint" in the face of the protests that flared over the September 16 death of Mahsa Amini, after her arrest for an alleged breach of the country's strict dress code for women.

Britain yesterday announced wide-ranging sanctions against 30 targets worldwide, including officials in Iran whom it accused of pursuing "egregious sentences" against protesters.

European diplomats said the EU was also set to impose more sanctions on Iran for drone supplies to Russia and the protest crackdown. The sanctions are expected to be formally signed off by foreign ministers meeting in Brussels on Monday.