Hengaw: At Least 161 Prisoners Executed in Iran Over One Month

The human rights organization "Hengaw" reported on Friday, November 2, that at least 161 prisoners were executed in Iran last month, marking an increase of over 100% in executions compared to the previous month. October was noted as the month with the highest number of executions in the current year. This figure represents a 106% increase from the 78 prisoners executed in September. According to the report, in October, at least one juvenile offender, one political prisoner, five women, and nine Afghan citizens were executed in the Islamic Republic's prisons. Jamshid Sharmeh, a 68-year-old dual Iranian-German citizen, whose execution was reported on Monday, October 30, is among those executed last month. Hengaw reported that prisons in Alborz province had the highest number of executions with 38, followed by prisons in Fars, East Azerbaijan, Isfahan, and Kerman. About half of the executed prisoners were charged with "premeditated murder," followed by charges related to drug offenses and "rape." Government media reported on only 14 cases, approximately 8% of last month's executions. According to Amnesty International, 74% of recorded executions worldwide last year were carried out by the Islamic Republic. Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, reacted to Jamshid Sharmeh's execution on Monday, stating: "The execution of prisoners by the Islamic Republic is a fundamental violation of their human rights, and the U.S. has repeatedly stated its opposition to it." Six prisoners were executed in Gohardasht Prison in Karaj within eight days. The UN Special Rapporteur noted that the human rights situation for women and girls in Iran has worsened. Germany issued a warning to its citizens regarding Sharmeh's execution, advising them to leave Iran. The Iran Human Rights Organization reported that three prisoners were executed in Naqdeh, Ahvaz, and Isfahan.