Highest Recorded Global Statistics Amid Significant Decrease in Executions in Iran

In its annual report, Amnesty International announces a 42% decrease in the number of executions in Iran in 2016 compared to the previous year. However, according to this report, 55% of the world's recorded executions still took place in Iran. This non-governmental human rights organization stated on April 22 that a total of 567 court-ordered executions were recorded in Iran in 2016. Considering the official figures from 2015, which were 977, the number of executions has decreased by 42%. The Amnesty report mentions that the Chinese government keeps the number of executions carried out in that country classified, which prevents international organizations from accessing this data. Therefore, the global statistics in the Amnesty report do not include China, and from this comparison, it appears that in 2016, 55% of all recorded executions worldwide (excluding China) occurred in Iran. Amnesty International also emphasized that due to the decrease in the number of executions in Iran and Pakistan, last year's figures, which were already unprecedentedly low, have decreased. However, Amnesty added that the total number of executions is still higher than the average cases recorded in the past decade. Shiyara San Giorgio, an advisor to Amnesty International, told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty that there are still increasing concerns about the 'concealment' of actual execution statistics by governments, especially since the organization's data 'probably does not include thousands of executions in China, where information regarding death sentences is classified government documents.' Executions in China remain higher than the total of all other cases recorded in other countries. Iran: 'Execution of at least two defendants in their teenage years and eight women' Amnesty International states that at least 33 of the recorded executions in Iran in 2016 were carried out in public. At least two defendants who committed crimes as teenagers, and their executions are contrary to international covenants and commitments, and eight female citizens were also among those executed last year. What Amnesty International emphasizes is that many of the death sentences issued in Iran are for crimes that, according to 'international standards,' are not considered 'very serious crimes.' 'Amnesty International' states that many death sentences are issued for drug-related crimes or vague charges including 'moharebeh' (waging war against God). The United Nations has repeatedly called for a halt to the execution of death sentences as a punishment for drug trafficking, both in Iran and in other countries around the world. From the perspective of this global body, the death penalty has no effect on drug-related crimes, and preventing these crimes fundamentally requires other methods. Iranian judicial officials have stated that '90% of' executions in Iran are related to drug crimes. Mohammad Javad Larijani, the Secretary of the Human Rights Headquarters of the Iranian Judiciary, recently stated that after nearly forty years of executing for drug-related offenses, 'no desirable results have been achieved.' Efforts have also been made in the Iranian Parliament to change laws in this area. Nevertheless, Iranian officials continue to make contradictory statements regarding drug-related executions. For example, the Secretary of the Human Rights Headquarters of the Judiciary says, 'We act in Iran based on our own responsibilities, and instead of being appreciated, we are condemned.' Amnesty International has also emphasized that many of those executed 'confessed to the attributed 'crimes' under torture,' and there are cases where individuals confessed to crimes that occurred after their arrest. This is not the first time Iranian judicial officials have been accused of issuing death sentences based on confessions obtained under torture. Iranian officials have repeatedly denied 'the occurrence of torture' and in some cases described this accusation as part of 'discrediting the regime.' Amnesty International stated last year that Iran's new laws, while declaring confessions obtained under torture illegal, do not address details, and 'torture, as a crime,' has not been elaborated upon. The annual report of Amnesty International on executions in countries around the world states that Pakistan carried out a total of 87 executions in 2016, showing a significant decrease compared to 2015, which had 326 executions. However, this country remains one of the leaders in the list of death sentences. Saudi Arabia ranks third after Iran and China with at least 154 executions. Iraq, Pakistan, Egypt, and the United States also rank next. According to Amnesty International, the United States is the only country in the Americas where executions have taken place, although the organization emphasizes that the number of executions in this country has been continuously decreasing, with 20 recorded in 2016, the lowest in 25 years. Recorded executions in Afghanistan in 2016 were six, which, according to 'Amnesty International,' were issued for crimes related to 'terrorism.' Nevertheless, this non-governmental organization expressed concern about 'forced confessions' and government statements that they issue death sentences to prevent future terrorist attacks. According to Ms. San Giorgio, there is no credible evidence that shows that the death penalty has reduced 'terrorists' willingness to carry out their attacks.