The two political prisoners were hanged today for “organizing protest demonstrations” and having links to “recent riots,” although they had been arrested months before the nationwide uprisings that were sparked by the sham elections in June. They had been imprisoned throughout this period. One of the two prisoners hanged was only 20 years old.

The mullahs' Deputy Minister of the Intelligence and Security said yesterday, “More than 20 members of the Mojahedin (PMOI) who were involved in organizing riots have been arrested and are charged with moharebeh.”

Earlier, the Judiciary's First Deputy had said, “In light of the fact that the movement is an organized movement,… anyone who helps it in any way or under any circumstances, would deserve the title of Mohareb.” (State-run TV Channel 2, December 30, 2009)

The White House - Office of the Press Secretary -

For Immediate Release

Gaggle by Deputy Press Secretary Bill Burton aboard Air Force One en route Tampa, Florida

.... Q    What's the White House response to Iran's execution of these two people linked to the pro-democracy protest?

MR. BURTON:  Well, I will say that the U.S. strongly condemns these unjust executions.  We see it as a low point in the Islamic Republic's unjust and ruthless crackdown of peaceful dissent.  Murdering political prisoners who are exercising their universal rights will not bring the respect and legitimacy the Islamic Republic seeks.  It will only serve to further isolate Iran's government in the world and from its people.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/gaggle-deputy-press-secretary-bill-burton-aboard-air-force-one-en-route-tampa-flori

White House condemns Iran executions

TAMPA, Fla. – The White House is condemning Iran for executing two men accused of involvement in an armed anti-government group.

White House deputy press secretary Bill Burton says the executions represent a new low in Iran's crackdown on peaceful dissent and will further isolate Tehran.

The executions mark an escalation in the Iranian government's crackdown on its opponents following last year's disputed presidential election.

The two men who were hanged on Thursday were arrested before the election and did not appear to be protests after the vote. But they were put before the same mass trial as opposition leaders and activists arrested amid the crackdown.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100128/ap_on_re_us/us_white_house_iran_2