Iran Human Rights Organization: 74 Executions in One Month

The Iran Human Rights Organization reported on Wednesday, March 6, that in the past month, from January 31 to March 1, at least 74 individuals, including several Afghan, Kurdish, and Baluch citizens, have been executed. This number represents an increase of more than eight times compared to the same period last year. According to the report, among those executed, 33 were accused of murder, 32 of drug-related charges, 6 of rape, and 3 of moharebeh (waging war against God) through armed robbery. Only 8% of these executions were reported in official media, while the remaining cases were documented and confirmed by the Iran Human Rights Organization. The organization noted that among the executed were 7 Kurdish citizens, 6 Baluch citizens, and 4 Afghan citizens, and one woman was also executed this month. The Iran Human Rights Organization pointed out that 'the executions in February of this year have seen a significant increase compared to last year,' adding, 'In February 2024, only 9 were executed, but this year that number has reached 74.' The report states that 'one reason for the temporary decrease in executions in February of last year was the coincidence with the first round of the parliamentary elections on March 1.' The Iran Human Rights Organization linked the number of executions to political developments in Iran, stating that historically, during periods of potential widespread protests or immediately following protests, the number of executions increases. Conversely, prior to elections, when the government needs greater public participation, this number decreases. Another section of the report examines public executions, noting that recently, on March 1, the execution of an individual was carried out at 'Heaven Bridge in Esfarayen.' According to a data analysis chart attached to this report, the trend of public executions in Iran from 2008 to 2024 shows significant fluctuations and a direct correlation with political and social developments in Iran. Public executions, which were recorded at 22 cases in 2008, decreased in 2009 but began to rise from 2010. The peak of these executions was in 2012 with 65 reported cases. This trend continued until 2015 with high figures such as 60, 59, and 57 cases. Since 2016, the number of such executions has decreased, reaching 33 and 31 cases in 2018 and 2019, respectively. In 2020, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of public executions dropped to 10, and in 2021, no public executions were recorded. This sudden decline was likely due to health restrictions and increased monitoring by international bodies. However, since 2022, public executions have resumed. Initially, only two cases were recorded, but in 2023, this number increased to 7. In 2024, 4 public executions have been reported, indicating a gradual return of the Iranian government to this repressive method to create a climate of fear in society. The Iran Human Rights Organization expressed serious concern over the increase in executions and urged the international community and Iranian citizens both inside and outside the country to voice their protests to the authorities of the Islamic Republic and to work towards stopping this trend. The increase in the issuance and execution of death sentences by the Islamic Republic of Iran has drawn significant criticism worldwide, including from the United States.