Ahmad Shahid Warns of 25% Increase in Executions in Iran

Ahmad Shahid, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, has warned about a 25% increase in executions in Iran, while also noting that Tehran appears to show a greater willingness to engage in dialogue with the UN on human rights issues. According to Reuters, Mr. Shahid stated on Monday, October 25, that last month he was able to meet 'for the first time' in Geneva, Switzerland, with several members of the security and judicial apparatus of the Islamic Republic. The UN Special Rapporteur indicated that the 'response' from these individuals to his current report on human rights in Iran was 'the most fundamental response in the past four and a half years.' Mr. Shahid did not mention the names or positions of these officials. Additionally, he stated that his latest report on the human rights situation in Iran is 'slightly more positive than previous reports,' and he has witnessed 'more meaningful engagement' from the Islamic Republic and the international community. Nevertheless, Ahmad Shahid reminded that this and 'other advancements in the past 12 months' do not mean 'less pressure on Iran' as 'the number of executions in the country has increased.' The UN Special Rapporteur added that since the beginning of this year, approximately 700 people have been executed in Iran, and this number is likely to exceed one thousand by the end of the year. This figure is 25% higher than the number of executions in 1393 (Persian calendar), as the Islamic Republic executed at least 753 people last year. Ahmad Shahid also emphasized that in Iran, women are still considered second-class citizens, and about 40 journalists have been imprisoned this year on false pretenses. In another part of his remarks, the UN Special Rapporteur called for 'sanctions against human rights violators' in Iran. Mr. Shahid stated that human rights violators should be 'exposed, condemned,' and subjected to 'travel bans.' He also added that 'the nuclear agreement has provided opportunities for improving human rights in Iran' and stated: 'The end of sanctions will have a direct impact [on this issue].' Ahmad Shahid is scheduled to speak at the UN Human Rights Committee meeting this week. Reuters added that the Iranian representation in Geneva has not yet responded to Mr. Shahid's remarks, but the Iranian government has previously rejected the reports and statements of the UN Special Rapporteur multiple times.