Amid economic crisis, Iran’s authorities have sentenced three people to death.

The defendants were condemned for “economic crimes” by special Revolutionary Courts, set up by the head of the judiciary and approved by the Supreme Leader last month. Those convicted cannot appeal prison terms, although death penalties are subject to review.

The crackdown was initially on unofficial currency dealers, amid a 70% drop in the value of the Iranian rial. However, it has expanded to officials, including a deputy head of the Central Bank responsible for foreign exchange.

Judiciary spokesman Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei said on Sunday that the three death sentences were for “spreading corruption on earth”. He said 32 other defendants were sentenced to prison terms of up to 20 years.

Ejei issued other warnings, telling truck drivers on nationwide strike over pay and high prices: “Harsh penalties await those who…block lorry traffic on roads.”

Iran Prosecutor General Mohammad Jafar Montazeri said last week that protesting drivers may face death sentences under laws against highway robbery.