An Iranian court has handed down death sentences to four individuals convicted of producing and distributing counterfeit alcohol that led to the poisoning of 208 people, resulting in 17 fatalities and 191 injuries or disabilities in the northern province of Alborz in June.

The judiciary spokesperson, Masoud Setayeshi, revealed that the suspects had acquired industrial-grade alcohol illicitly from a medical equipment store. They subsequently used this alcohol to create counterfeit alcoholic beverages, which they then distributed within the province.

Setayeshi disclosed that the main suspect possessed a background in chemistry and worked as a laboratory expert.

In addition to the four death sentences, the court also handed down jail terms to seven other suspects, ranging from one to five years, Setayeshi confirmed.

Setayeshi further noted that the suspects and their legal representatives have been officially notified of the court's rulings, with the option to appeal against their convictions. (ILKHA)