In 2024, Iran’s execution figures reached a staggering 901, marking a distressing increase as reported by the UN human rights chief. “It is deeply disturbing that yet again we see an increase in the number of people subjected to the death penalty in Iran year-on-year,” remarked Volker Türk. This rise represents the highest annual total in nearly a decade and shows a 6% increase from 2023, which saw 853 executions, predominantly for drug-related offenses.
The UN’s report highlights that aside from drug convictions, dissidents and individuals linked to the protests that erupted in 2022 were also executed, with a notable uptick in the number of women facing this fate. Türk urged Iranian authorities to cease executions entirely and implement a moratorium towards the ultimate abolishment of the death penalty, emphasizing that it contradicts the fundamental right to life and poses the perilous risk of wrongful executions.
In a detailed account by the Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR), at least 31 women were executed— a record high since monitoring commenced 17 years ago. Among these women, many, like Leila Ghaemi, became entangled in dire circumstances leading to their convictions, while others like Parvin Mousavi faced severe penalties for drug-related offenses, highlighting complexities surrounding these penalties in the context of international human rights standards.
Hengaw, a Kurdish human rights organization, further detailed a troubling trend—over half of the executed were from ethnic minorities, particularly 183 Kurds. The UN’s findings assert that these groups have suffered disproportionately since the nationwide protests, ignited by the tragic custody death of a young Kurdish woman. Additionally, reports from HRANA noted five juvenile offenders were among those executed, despite international laws prohibiting such actions for individuals under 18 years old.
Alarmingly, Iran accounted for 74% of all global executions in 2023, according to Amnesty International, excluding China where even more executions occur behind a veil of state secrecy. The relentless execution rates call for urgent attention as activists and human rights organizations push for a reevaluation of Iran’s stances and practices regarding capital punishment.
In 2024, Iran executed 901 people, a 6% increase from the previous year, according to the UN. The majority were for drug offenses, with notable executions of women and ethnic minorities. The report underscores ongoing human rights abuses and calls for a moratorium on the death penalty in the country.
Iran’s alarming rise in executions is a stark reminder of systemic human rights violations. The 901 executions in 2024, predominantly for non-violent offenses, highlight a troubling trend. Calls from the UN human rights chief emphasize the urgent need for a moratorium on capital punishment and a change in Iran’s legal practices, reinforcing the fundamental right to life and the protection of vulnerable groups.
The topic of Iran’s execution rates reflects a broader concern over human rights violations in the country. Numerous organizations have documented an alarming rise in executions, particularly focusing on targets such as political dissidents, ethnic minorities, and women. This underscores the tension between Iranian law and international human rights standards, highlighting the need for reform and international scrutiny to protect the vulnerable populations within Iran.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
