UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: Execution Statistics in Iran are 'Horrific'

Volker Turk, the head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, expressed serious concern over the 'horrific' statistics of executions in Iran in a statement, urging Iranian officials to follow the example of most countries by abolishing the death penalty or halting all executions. Turk described the Iranian government as one of the largest executors of death sentences in the world, stating that this year, 'an average of more than 10 people have been executed each week in Iran.' The statement from the High Commissioner for Human Rights cited sources indicating that since January 1, at least 209 people—primarily for drug-related offenses—have been executed, with a 'disproportionate' percentage of them being minorities. The statement emphasized that the exact statistics of executions are unclear due to the government's 'lack of transparency' and that this number is likely higher. Turk noted, 'At this rate, Iran is alarmingly on track to match last year's figures, during which reports indicated about 580 executions.' Only a few countries still apply and enforce the death penalty. On Saturday, May 6, the Islamic Republic of Iran executed Habib Chab, a Swedish-Iranian citizen from the Arab Ahvaz minority, on charges of 'corruption on earth.' Reports on Monday, May 8, also indicated that the Islamic Republic of Iran carried out the death sentences of Youssef Mehrdad and Sadrallah Fazeli Zareh on charges of 'insulting sacred things.' Sources say that in just the past 14 days, at least 45 people, including 22 from the Baluch minority, have been executed in Iran, most of whom received this sentence on drug-related charges. Turk stated, 'The imposition of the death penalty for drug-related offenses is inconsistent with international human rights standards.' The UN Human Rights Commission, which is responsible for interpreting international civil and political rights laws, states that the prohibition of the death penalty for any crime other than 'the most serious crimes,' including murder, is explicit, and drug-related offenses do not fall under this punishment. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has called on Iranian officials to suspend executions and ultimately abolish the death penalty. Said Arman: No one should be executed for their beliefs. There has been widespread reaction to the executions in Iran; the US: a sign of the regime's 'eagerness' to violate human rights. The 'U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom' expressed concern over the enforcement of strict laws under the pretext of 'insulting sacred things.' The Islamic Republic executed two prisoners on charges of 'insulting the Prophet.'