Iran's first execution of protester 'unjust and cruel', US says

Mohsen Shekari was arrested after allegedly blocking a street in Tehran and attacking a security guard

Iranians protest in Tehran after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini after she was detained by the morality police in September. AP Photo

Protests have intensified despite a vicious government crackdown that has left as many as 200 people dead, although estimates of the toll by rights groups vary. AP Photo

At least eight members of the security forces have also been killed or wounded during the unrest and there are signs that violent resistance could be intensifying. AP Photo

A fire burns at the office of the governor of Mahabad, in the West Azerbaijan province of Iran. AFP

Protesters gather in the a courtyard of Chitgar complex in western Tehran. AFP

Iranian protesters continue to defy a deadly crackdown by security forces. AFP

A woman cuts her hair at the grave site of Nika Shahkarami in the city of Khorramabad, during a reported memorial held to mark 40 days since the death of the 16-year-old. AFP

A woman not wearing a headscarf stands on top of a vehicle as thousands make their way towards Saqez, Mahsa Amini's home town, to mark 40 days since her death in police custody. AFP

Iranian riot police prepare to confront protesters the capital, Tehran. AFP

Iranian protesters surge forward amid clashes with riot police in Tehran. AFP

A crowd blocks an intersection during a protest to mark 40 days since Amini's death in custody. AP Photo

Iranian police arrive to disperse a protest in Tehran. AP Photo

Protesters chant at a vigil for Amini at the Khajeh Nasir Toosi University of Technology in Tehran. Reuters

Students at Sharif University of Technology attend a protest. AP Photo

Police outside Sharif University during a student protest. AP Photo

Students at the university protest over the death of Amini, who was in 'morality police' custody for allegedly breaking strict rules on head coverings for women. AP Photo

The students' banner says: 'No to mandatory hijab'. AP Photo

The US on Thursday said that Iran's execution of a man who participated in the country's mass demonstrations is a “grim escalation” in its crackdown on protests.

Mohsen Shekari is the first known protester to have been executed after participating in the demonstrations that started after the death of Mahsa Amini, a Kurdish-Iranian woman who died in police custody after she was detained for not wearing her head covering properly.

“The execution of Mohsen Shekari represents a grim escalation in the regime's attempt to suppress dissent and quash these protests,” said State Department spokesman Ned Price.

The 23-year-old was convicted of stabbing a security guard and blocking a Tehran street as part of anti-government protests, Mizan, a news agency run by Iran's judiciary, reported. He was executed on Thursday.

Iran Human Rights, an Oslo-based NGO, said 11 people have been sentenced to death in the country over the protests. Activists say more than 400 people have been killed in the protests thus far.

In a tweet, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on Iran to stop its harsh treatment of protesters.

“We are appalled by the execution of Mohsen Shekari,” he wrote. “Our message to Iran's leadership is clear: end this brutal crackdown.

“We will continue to hold the Iranian regime accountable.”

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan tweeted: “The unjust and cruel execution of Mohsen Shekari is a cynical attempt to intimidate the brave Iranian people. Our hearts are with his family.

“We will hold the Iranian regime accountable for the brutal violence it’s committing against its own people.”

Mr Blinken on Thursday also signed a letter denouncing online harassment and abuse against women, in light of the Iranian protests.

“Women and girls have faced targeted online harassment and abuse by Iranian authorities, their apparatuses and institutions as they demand respect for their human rights and fundamental freedoms,” foreign ministers from the US, UK and seven other countries said in a statement.

“We condemn this ongoing violent crackdown on protesters, including on digital platforms and through internet restrictions.”

Iran protests at World Cup — in pictures

Security staff speak with fans holding up a shirt with the name of Mahsa Amini, and a flag advocating for women's rights, during the World Cup match between Wales and Iran in Doha, Qatar. Getty Images

A security officer, right, interacts with an Iran supporter who displayed a shirt that read 'Mahsa Amini 22', in memory of the Iranian woman who died while in police custody in Iran. AP

People have continued demonstrating in Iran and around the world over the death of Amini in September. AP

A supporter of Iran's football team, with make-up resembling bloody tears, holds a football jersey with Amini's name, at the stadium in Doha. AFP

Division over Iran’s protests cast a shadow over Iran’s second match at the World Cup. AFP

Security staff speak with Iran fans. Some fans were stopped by stadium security from bringing in Persian pre-revolutionary flags to the match against Wales. Getty Images

Fans before the match. Getty Images

Many in the stands came adorned with clothing emblazoned with the "Women, Life, Freedom" slogan. Getty Images