Tehran: Iran executed at least 975 people last year, according to two human rights groups, marking a significant increase in the use of capital punishment. This represents the highest number of executions recorded by Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) and French group Together Against the Death Penalty (ECPM) since IHR began tracking these figures in 2008.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the joint report by IHR and ECPM highlights what they describe as a concerning rise in executions, which they claim are being used as a tool for political oppression by the Islamic republic. IHR director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam commented on the situation, stating that these executions are part of Iran’s efforts to maintain power amid tensions, including a potential conflict with Israel.
The report detailed that last year’s executions marked a 17 percent increase from the 834 executions recorded in 2023. Of those executed, four were hanged in public, and 31 were women, both figures noted as significant in the past 17 years.
The rights groups, who assert that Iran is the second most prolific user of capital punishment after China, argue that the state employs the death penalty to instill fear, especially following the 2022 nationwide protests. Iran’s judicial system, based on sharia law, mandates capital punishment for crimes such as murder, rape, and drug offenses, as well as charges like “corruption on earth” and “rebellion,” which activists claim target dissidents.
Among those executed last year were individuals linked to the protests that erupted after Mahsa Amini’s death in custody in September 2022. Mohammad Ghobadlu, accused of killing a police officer during a protest, was executed in January 2024, despite claims of a flawed trial. Similarly, Gholamreza Rasaei was executed in August for allegedly killing a Revolutionary Guard, with reports suggesting his confession was extracted under torture.
The groups suspect that the actual number of executions could be higher, as they were unable to confirm some reports. Already in 2024, Iran has carried out at least 121 executions, according to IHR’s data.