Iran hangs Sufi over killing of 3 policemen

Tehran, June 18

Iran has executed a member of a Sufi order who rammed a bus into police as they tried to disperse a rally, killing three of them.

The official website of the judiciary says Mohammad Salas was hanged early on Monday. Salas had testified in March that he was trying to get away from the clashes and had not intended to harm anyone.

The clashes broke out in February when supporters of Sufi leader Nourali Tabandeh rallied outside his home, fearing his possible arrest.

Iran’s clerically overseen government frowns on Sufism, the mystical strain of Islam. Many conservatives view it as a deviation from the faith.

Rights groups say Iran is one of the world’s leading executioners, and have repeatedly called on it to abolish the death penalty. AP