Iran Executions Surge to Highest Level in Decades

Iran executions reached at least 1,639 individuals last year, marking the highest total since 1989, according to two non-governmental organizations. This figure reflects a staggering 68% increase from 2024, which saw 975 executions documented, as reported by Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) and Paris-based Together Against the Death Penalty (ECPM). Most of the executions were for drug-related offenses or murder, yet at least 57 involved charges related to security, including two protesters. The NGOs caution that Iranian authorities might escalate the use of executions this year, especially following the protests in January and ongoing conflicts with the US and Israel. Since the conflict's onset on February 28, seven individuals have been executed in connection with the protests during which thousands were reportedly killed and tens of thousands detained amid a harsh crackdown by security forces. Additionally, six people affiliated with the exiled opposition group, Mujahideen-e Khalq (MEK), were executed, alongside one person found guilty of espionage for Israel. Historically, Iran has been the second most active executioner globally after China, where the precise figures are closely guarded, yet human rights activists estimate thousands are executed annually. Last year alone, Iran's execution rate hit a record high not seen in 36 years—averaging four executions a day, per the findings from IHR and ECPM. From the total of 1,639 executions, 795 were for drug-related crimes, reflecting a 58% surge since 2024. Furthermore, 747 were sentenced for murder, bringing a dramatic 79% increase. Notably, 37 individuals faced execution for rape-related charges. At least 48 women were among those executed, demonstrating a 55% rise from 2024, marking the highest records in over two decades. The NGOs highlighted that ethnic minorities and marginalized groups were disproportionately represented among those facing death sentences. Over half of the executions stemmed from sentences issued by Revolutionary Courts, which the NGOs claim are characterized by "grossly unfair trials and a lack of due process." IHR and ECPM emphasize that if the Islamic Republic persists through the current turmoil, the risk of increased executions as a mechanism of oppression grows significantly. At least 16 individuals sentenced to death in connection with the 2022 "Woman, Life, Freedom" protests remain vulnerable to execution. Additionally, 27 more have received death sentences due to this year's protests, while numerous others confront charges that could lead to the death penalty. Raphaël Chenuil-Hazan, executive director of ECPM, stated that discussions regarding the abolition of the death penalty must be central to any negotiations between the US and Iran focused on ending the ongoing conflict. IHR's director, Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, noted a concerning absence of dialogue about Iranian human rights in recent negotiations, advocating for a moratorium on the death penalty and the release of all political prisoners as the highest priorities. For more on human rights issues, see Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. You can also find detailed reports and updates at www.globemigrant.com/human-rights-iran and www.globemigrant.com/death-penalty-iran. Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly9ggzy3ngo

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