For human rights advocates, Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash this week, is also known as the 'butcher of Tehran.' He was notorious for his role in the mass execution of thousands of prisoners in 1988, part of the so-called "death committee" that secretively decided the fate of those jailed for their political views. Reza Akbari was spared only hours before execution.
On the first anniversary of his cousin's execution, Mohammad Hashemi is calling for an end to capital punishment in Iran, as experts warn that Tehran is using the measure to "repress dissent" following the large-scale protests.
More than 800 people executed in Iran last year in bid to repress dissent sbs.com.au - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from sbs.com.au Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.