On Thursday, Iran executed Jassim Jahantigh, an Afghan national accused of drug offenses. The execution, carried out in Jirfat Prison, marks a troubling milestone: Jahantigh is the 72nd Afghan national to be executed in Iran this year, as reported by the Hengaw Human Rights Organization. Alongside him, two other prisoners, Asad Amini and Saman Fakhri, faced the death penalty, raising alarms about Iran’s severe stance on drug-related crimes.
Hengaw’s reports indicate that Iran is leading the world in executing Afghan nationals, which has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights groups. Critics argue that the country’s capital punishment practices disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, particularly migrants, and contravene fundamental human rights principles. This scrutiny paints a bleak picture of how Iran handles justice, especially towards those who seek refuge or a better life within its borders.
Moreover, the execution highlights a historical trend of Iran sentencing individuals who committed crimes as minors, a violation of international juvenile justice conventions. Human rights advocates have persistently urged Tehran to stop these executions and to uphold fair trial practices in its judicial system, emphasizing the need for humane treatment and due process for all.
Following the Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan in August 2021, many Afghans sought refuge in Iran, hoping to escape uncertainty and economic woes. Unfortunately, these migrants frequently encounter legal and social discrimination, a merciless system that imposes harsh penalties, further complicating their quest for safety and justice in a foreign land.
As the shadows of these recent events loom large, the call for reform in Iran’s approach to justice, particularly for migrants, grows louder. Legal and human rights organizations continue to demand an end to the death penalty for crimes that arise from desperation, urging a shift towards compassion and understanding for the plight of the Afghan nationals affected by these harsh realities.
Iran executed an Afghan national, Jassim Jahantigh, for drug offenses, marking 72 executions of Afghan nationals in 2023. This raises concerns about Iran’s treatment of migrants and has sparked criticism from human rights organizations. Activists call for an end to the death penalty and better legal protections following the Taliban’s return in 2021, as many Afghans seek refuge in Iran.
The execution of Jassim Jahantigh reflects a disturbing trend in Iran’s justice system, particularly towards Afghan nationals. With 72 executions this year alone, human rights activists emphasize the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations and call for an end to such practices. The plight of migrants in Iran, desperate for safety yet facing severe legal repercussions, underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms in how justice is administered and the treatment of all individuals within its borders.
The Iranian legal system has come under fire for its heavy-handed use of the death penalty, particularly against marginalized populations such as migrants. The current wave of executions of Afghan nationals is particularly concerning, as many fled their home country after the Taliban’s return to power. Human rights organizations have been vocal about the systemic discrimination faced by these individuals, exacerbated by a lack of due process and social equity within Iran’s judicial framework. Advocacy for reform is growing, emphasizing the need for fair treatment and adherence to international human rights standards.
Original Source: amu.tv
