Second Iranian detainee executed over alleged protest crime

At least 488 people have been killed since the demonstrations began in mid-September, according to Human Rights Activists in Iran, a group that's been monitoring the protests. Another 18,200 people have been detained by authorities. [AP Photo]

Iran on Monday executed a second prisoner detained and convicted amid nationwide protests challenging the country's theocracy, airing footage on state television it claimed shows him stabbing two security force members to death and running away.

The public hanging of Majidreza Rahnavard, less than a month after he allegedly carried out the fatal stabbings - purportedly angry about security forces killing protesters - shows the speed at which Iran now carries out death sentences handed down for those detained in the demonstrations the government hopes to put down.