Human Rights Watch Condemns Increase in Executions in Iran and Calls for Global Action

In a statement issued on Friday, May 12, Human Rights Watch highlighted the "increase in executions in Iran" and called for global efforts to condemn these executions. The international human rights organization noted that since last month, over 60 individuals, including an Iranian-Swedish citizen, have been executed in Iran. The statement mentioned that many of those executed faced unfair trials, and some were executed for drug-related offenses. The statement specifically referenced the executions of Youssef Mehrdad and Seyyed Sadrollah Fazli Zare in Arak, stating that they were executed on charges of insulting sacred beliefs, which, according to international law, should never have resulted in a death sentence. Tara Sepehri Far, a senior researcher on Iran at the organization, stated that the Iranian government uses the inhumane punishment of execution to display power against its people who are demanding fundamental changes. The Islamic Republic of Iran executed four protesters during the protests but had temporarily halted executions following widespread public outcry; however, a new wave of executions began two weeks ago. Iranian officials have labeled the executed individuals as murderers and drug offenders, yet some among them reportedly did not receive a fair trial. Hassan Naeim Hashem stated that the Islamic Republic uses executions to intimidate the public and reduce protests. The execution of 64 prisoners in just the past 12 days in Iran shows that the Islamic Republic is not backing down. There have been calls from the global community to stop executions in Iran, with reactions from French parliament representatives. Concerns have also been raised regarding the "dry hunger strike" of Zartosht Ahmadi Ragheb and Atekeh Rajabi. United Nations human rights experts have called for a halt to executions in Iran, and the Supreme Court has confirmed the death sentences of three protesters, with the judiciary defending the execution of Asyoud.