In a shocking revelation, the United Nations Human Rights Office reported that Iran executed 901 individuals in 2024, a significant rise from 853 executions in the previous year. Among those executed were 31 women, many of whom faced dire circumstances, such as being victims of abusive marriages or compelled to marry against their will. The report highlighted that most executions stemmed from drug-related crimes, but included political dissidents entangled in the mass protests following Mahsa Amini’s tragic death in police custody in 2022.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, expressed profound concern over the escalating trend: “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. It is high time Iran stemmed this ever-swelling tide of executions.” This marked the highest execution rate since 2015, with the grim toll seen as symptomatic of a regime cracking down on dissent and social issues.
During the protests ignited by Amini’s death, Iran witnessed some of its most significant unrest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. These upheavals, driven by public outcry against oppression, have led to increased scrutiny on the Iranian government’s human rights practices. UN spokesperson Liz Throssell underscored that the majority of the executed women were charged with murder, often after enduring domestic violence, child marriage, or forced marriage, representing a poignant justice system failing to protect the vulnerable.
The current Iranian president, Masoud Pezeshkian, who came into power in July 2024, pledged during his campaign to enhance the rights of women and minorities, suggesting a glimmer of hope for change amidst the dismal landscape of human rights violations. However, with such a pressing death toll, many are left wondering if these promises will lead to tangible reforms or are merely political rhetoric.
In 2024, Iran executed 901 individuals, including 31 women, marking an increase from 2023. Most executions were due to drug offenses, with some political dissidents among those executed. UN officials express deep concern, calling the situation disturbing and urging Iran to halt the rise in capital punishment. New President Masoud Pezeshkian has promised reforms concerning women’s rights, yet the human rights landscape remains bleak.
The UN’s report paints a harrowing picture of Iran’s escalating executions, marking a significant rise in human rights abuses. With 901 people executed in 2024, including a distressing number of women facing tragic circumstances, the need for urgent reforms is clear. While the new president has promised improvements, the persistent cycle of violence raises questions about the commitment to real change in Iran’s justice system.
The human rights situation in Iran has been a topic of increasing concern, particularly in the wake of the 2022 protests following Mahsa Amini’s death. The unrest highlighted systemic issues in the treatment of women, minorities, and dissidents, sparking global outrage. Reports of executions have surged, revealing a troubling pattern of violence and oppression against those who challenge the regime. The UN continues to monitor and report on Iran’s human rights practices, advocating for accountability and reform.
Original Source: www.ynetnews.com
