Mastermind behind the assassination of martyr Mamousta Sheikh al-Islam executed

On September 17, 2009, Mamousta Mohammad Sheikh al-Islam was assassinated outside Seyyed Qutb Mosque in Sanandaj, shortly after leading the Maghrib and Isha prayers, when he was shot by members of a takfiri terrorist group. One of the main perpetrators involved was later identified as Saman Mohammadi Khiyareh, who, along with several others, was arrested.

Khiyareh had joined a takfiri-terrorist group in 2006 after undergoing training and took part in numerous terrorist and sabotage operations inside Iran. His crimes included an armed attack on the Sanandaj police headquarters, participation in an armed robbery of a jewelry store that involved kidnapping and killing the hostage, as well as planning and leading the assassination of Sheikh al-Islam.

He was also implicated in an armed robbery of a jewelry shop in Hamedan, the armed hijacking of a vehicle and murder of its driver, shootings targeting civilians, and an armed assault on a police station at Sanandaj’s Sheikhhan intersection, which resulted in the martyrdom of a soldier.

After the dismantling of the terrorist-takfiri group, Khiyareh went into hiding across several cities, including Baneh, Boukan, and Hashtgerd in Alborz Province. He was arrested on November 30, 2013, following intelligence and security operations.

Following his arrest, his case was referred to court with an indictment. The trial was held in the presence of Khiyareh and his lawyer. Based on intelligence reports, his own confessions, and available evidence, he was sentenced to death.

Upon appeal by the defendant and his lawyer, the case was referred to the Supreme Court. The court overturned the initial ruling and returned the case for retrial. After further proceedings and a new ruling, the death sentence was again issued, which the Supreme Court ultimately upheld.

This morning, the death sentence of Saman Mohammadi Khiyareh, son of Salem, was carried out for charges of Moharebeh, undermining national security, membership in terrorist and takfiri groups, armed operations, and leading the assassination of Martyr Mamousta Sheikh al-Islam.