Amnesty International Annual Report: Sharp Increase in Executions in Iran Has Raised Global Statistics

On Wednesday, June 9, Amnesty International released its annual report on the death penalty worldwide, stating that a severe 48% increase in executions in Iran has contributed to a rise in global statistics. According to this human rights organization, the number of recorded executions last year in Middle Eastern countries, including Iran, has increased, reaching its highest level in nearly a decade. Amnesty International reported that a total of 1,153 death sentences were carried out worldwide last year, marking an approximately 30% increase compared to two years ago. This figure does not include thousands of executions in China, as information on this matter is not available due to the government's secrecy. The organization stated that one reason for the global increase in executions is the widespread implementation of this punishment in Iran. It claims that the Islamic Republic executed at least 853 people last year, up from 576 the previous year. Amnesty International noted the 48% increase in executions in Iran, stating that the Islamic Republic uses the death penalty to instill fear among the populace and consolidate its power following the "Women, Life, Freedom" movement. Of the 853 executed by the Islamic Republic, 821 were men and 24 were women, with the gender of eight individuals remaining unspecified. These individuals were executed for crimes related to drug offenses, murder, moharebeh (waging war against God), corruption on earth, armed rebellion against the government, rape, apostasy, insulting the Prophet of Islam, or adultery. 56% of these individuals, 481 people, were executed for drug-related offenses, which represents a significant increase compared to the previous year. According to this human rights organization, executions in Iran disproportionately target the ethnic minority of Baluchis. Although Baluchis make up about 5% of Iran's population, they account for 20% of those executed in the country. Amnesty International states that the Islamic Republic has executed at least 172 Baluchis, including 167 men and six women. Provinces where executions have been carried out include Sistan and Baluchestan, Kerman, South Khorasan, Razavi Khorasan, Hormozgan, Isfahan, Fars, Yazd, Alborz, Golestan, Hamadan, Semnan, Ardabil, Mazandaran, and Qom. According to this human rights organization, five of the executed individuals were underage at the time of their crimes, and one of them was executed while still underage. The Islamic Republic has also used executions to punish individuals who challenged the government or its ideology. Specifically, at least seven people were executed in connection with recent nationwide protests. Agnes Callamard, Secretary-General of Amnesty International, stated: "The significant increase in recorded executions is primarily due to actions taken by Iran. The authorities of the Islamic Republic have shown complete disregard for human life and have increased executions for drug-related offenses, which once again highlights the discriminatory impact of the death penalty on marginalized and impoverished communities in Iran." She added: "Despite setbacks we have witnessed this year, especially in the Middle East, countries that carry out the death penalty are increasingly isolated. Our campaigns against this abhorrent punishment have been impactful. We will continue our efforts to end the death penalty worldwide." This human rights organization states that China (thousands), Iran (853), Saudi Arabia (172), Somalia (38), and the United States (24) are the five countries where the most executions have been carried out. According to Amnesty International, despite a 30% increase in executions worldwide, the number of countries that carry out executions has decreased, which is considered a significant success. Amnesty International has warned about the execution of eight protesters. Amnesty International: The death of Raisi should not prevent "the right of the people of Iran to achieve justice, truth, and compensation." Amnesty International: The death penalty for Tomaj Salehi should be revoked and he should be released "unconditionally." Amnesty International called the "arbitrary" execution of Khosrow Basharat "shocking." A joint statement from four Nobel Peace Prize winners: The Islamic Republic must be held accountable for "the instrumental use of executions to intimidate opponents." Amnesty International: The Islamic Republic must end the "war against women" in Iran and abolish compulsory hijab.