Iran Human Rights Organization: At Least 10 Executions in 24 Hours

Human rights organizations reported that the judiciary of the Islamic Republic of Iran carried out death sentences for at least 10 individuals within 24 hours. The Iran Human Rights Organization wrote on Friday, January 14, that the death sentences for at least 9 prisoners, including two Afghan nationals convicted of 'premeditated murder' or drug-related charges, were executed on the morning of Wednesday, January 12, at the Qezel Hessar prison in Karaj. Additionally, according to this organization, on Tuesday, January 11, the death sentence of a prisoner named Yavar Abdoli, who was convicted of 'premeditated murder,' was carried out in Dezful prison. The Hengaw human rights organization also reported, citing an informed source, that 'some of these prisoners were transferred from Evin and Greater Tehran prisons to Qezel Hessar prison for execution.' According to Hengaw, the execution of prisoners sentenced for drug-related charges has continuously increased over the past four years. For instance, in 2023, compared to 2022, when 256 individuals were executed on drug-related charges, there was an 84% increase, with 471 executions recorded for this reason. The organization also reported on the execution of Yavar Abdoli, stating that 'Mr. Abdoli was arrested three years ago for murder charges and subsequently sentenced to death by a criminal court.' The issuance and execution of death sentences under the title of 'retribution' in the Islamic Republic of Iran occurs under conditions where, according to government laws, premeditated murder is not categorized, and 'any type of murder, regardless of severity and motive, leads to a death sentence.' Previously, political prisoners involved in the 'No to Executions' campaign have repeatedly stated that the issuance and execution of death sentences by the Islamic Republic in Iran is intended to 'create terror and fear.' Additionally, May Sato, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, criticized the human rights situation and the rising number of executions in Iranian prisons, calling for a reduction in death sentences in Iran. The execution of prisoners related to drug offenses has steadily increased over the past four years by the judiciary of the Islamic Republic, such that according to the Iran Human Rights Organization, the number of executions last year compared to the previous year saw an 84% increase to '471 executions.' Despite the fact that the judiciary of the Islamic Republic does not officially announce executions in many cases, according to documentation collected by independent human rights organizations, the number of executions in Iran indicates that the government holds the first position globally in violating the right to life. In 2024, the Islamic Republic executed at least 883 individuals.