Iran executes spy for Israel

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-23-2008 11:24

Tehran has announced the execution of an Iranian national convicted of spying for Israel. Iranian officials say the spy had turned over important materials, including nuclear information.

In this June, 28, 2008 file photo, Ali Ashtari, an  electronic salesman, seen, in a court room at  Revolutionary Court, in Tehran, Iran. Iran executed a  man convicted of spying for Israel, a judiciary spokesman  said Saturday. Ali Reza Jamshidi told The Associated Press  that Ali Ashtari was hanged on Nov. 17 after being sentenced  to death on June 30 by a revolutionary court in Tehran.  It was the country's first known conviction for espionage  linked to Israel in almost a decade.(AP photo)

The 45-year-old electronics salesman worked as a supplier to military, security, and defense centers across Iran. He was found guilty of relaying sensitive information to Israeli intelligence officers. A judiciary statement says he had been arrested in 2006, and was hanged earlier this week.

Iran has repeatedly denied Israeli accusations that it's seeking to build atomic weapons. It insists its nuclear program is for civilian use.