At Least 1,500 Executions Carried Out This Year
Failing Grades in Judicial Independence and Protection of Fundamental Rights
Hardline Stance Continues Despite International Concerns
The number of executions carried out in Iran this year has increased significantly compared to last year, amid the country's pervasive "reign of terror." On December 29, Yonhap News, citing BBC and other sources, reported that the Norway-based human rights organization Iran Human Rights (IHR) confirmed at least 1,500 executions in Iran from the beginning of this year through early December. This figure marks a notable rise from the 975 executions carried out last year, with additional executions reported since then.
Currently, Iran's evaluation in international human rights indicators is very low. In the 2024 World Freedom Index published by Freedom House, Iran scored 11 out of 100 points and was classified as a "not free country." Photo by AP Yonhap News Agency
In Iran, nationwide anti-government protests erupted in 2022 following the suspicious death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was arrested by police for allegedly not wearing her hijab properly. The protests were seen as the most significant challenge to the legitimacy of Iran's theocratic regime, and since then, executions have shown a clear upward trend. According to the BBC, about 99% of those executed in Iran were convicted of murder or drug-related crimes. However, there have also been confirmed cases of executions involving anti-government protesters and individuals accused of espionage.
Human rights activists point out that the Iranian regime tends to increase executions whenever it faces internal dissent or external crises, aiming to instill fear among the public and preemptively suppress opposition forces. The BBC also supported this analysis, noting that "another surge in executions occurred after the 12-day war with Israel in June and a series of blows suffered by Iran's proxy forces in the region."
Currently, Iran's evaluation in international human rights indicators is extremely low. In the 2024 World Freedom Index published by Freedom House, Iran scored 11 out of 100 points and was classified as a "not free country." The nation ranked among the lowest in both political rights and civil liberties. Additionally, in the World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index, Iran remained at the bottom in categories such as judicial independence, protection of fundamental rights, and limitations on government power. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have criticized Iran for forced confessions, unfair trials, and restrictions on the right to appeal, all of which have contributed to the widespread use of the death penalty.
According to Amnesty International, China is believed to be the world's leading executioner, although exact figures are not released. Excluding China, Iran is considered the country with the highest number of executions globally. Experts emphasize that the surge in executions in Iran is not merely a matter of criminal punishment, but is being used as a political tool for regime maintenance and control, underscoring the need for continued international scrutiny and pressure.
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