TEHRAN: Iran has indicted 11 people over the murder of a member of the Basij paramilitary force during a commemoration ceremony for a slain protester last week, according to a judiciary official.

The incident occurred on 3 November, when mourners in the city of Karaj were paying homage at a cemetery marking the 40th day since the death of Hadith Najafi. Karaj is the capital of Alborz Province.

Mahsa Amini died on September 21, five days after she died in police custody after being arrested for allegedly breaking Iran's hijab dress code.

Also Read:  Iran to develop hypersonic missile that can breach all defense shields

Eleven people, including a woman, were summoned in connection with the murder of Basij member Ruhollah Ajamian, according to Hossein Fazeli Harikandi, head of the Alborz province's judiciary.

According to the judiciary's Mizan Online website, the indictment was the result of an investigation that began after photographs of "a group of rioters assaulted and murdered" appeared on social media.

Harikandi further said, "The rioters attacked this security officer, who was unarmed, stripped him naked, stabbed him, beat him with brass knuckles, stones and kicks, and then threw his naked and half-dead body." Cars dragged horribly on the asphalt road and in the middle.

Also Read:  Iran's head of intelligence issues a covert threat against the UK

Many are accused of "corruption on earth", one of the most serious crimes punishable by death under Iranian law.
Additionally, they are charged with serious public disturbance resulting in murder, assembly with intent to commit an offense against the security of the nation, and propaganda against the government.

Three days after falling into a coma, 22-year-old Amini died on 16 September while being apprehended by moral police, sparking riots throughout the Islamic Republic.

The demonstrations, which officials have dubbed "riots", have resulted in the deaths of dozens of people, mostly protesters but also security personnel, and hundreds have been detained.

Also Read:  Iran's cities go on strike in remembrance of Zahedan

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps is affiliated with the Basij, a state-sanctioned volunteer force.