In a recent statement, the U.N. human rights chief expressed grave concern over the significant rise in executions taking place in Iran. The escalating numbers of individuals facing the death penalty for various offenses have raised international alarm, prompting calls for an immediate cessation of all executions within the Islamic Republic.
The statistics paint a distressing picture, with at least 901 reported executions in 2024 alone, including a particularly harrowing week in December that saw 40 individuals put to death. This surge marks a troubling trend, especially considering that back in 2015, the country recorded its highest number of executions in recent decades at 972. Despite a temporary decline post-2015, executions have been on the rise since 2022.
Of particular concern is the nature of these executions; while many were reportedly linked to drug-related crimes, dissidents and individuals associated with protests have also been sentenced to death. The backdrop of nationwide demonstrations following the tragic death of Mahsa Amini sheds light on broader social unrest and governmental crackdowns.
Women’s rights activists are sounding alarm bells as well due to an increase in female executions. Shockingly, at least 31 women were executed in 2024 – marking a 15-year high. Many of these women were victims themselves, having endured domestic violence or forced marriages before being convicted for defending themselves against their abusers.
Despite attempts by Iranian authorities to justify these sentences through legal processes, concerns linger regarding transparency and fairness within the judicial system. The opacity surrounding trials and sentencing raises questions about due process and accountability, leaving many awaiting execution uncertain about their fates.
The U.N. has taken a firm stance against capital punishment under any circumstance, emphasizing its inherent violation of fundamental human rights such as the right to life. International standards dictate that the death penalty should only be reserved for cases involving severe crimes like intentional murder and must be based on irrefutable evidence beyond doubt.
As calls intensify for Iran to halt all executions and work towards abolishing capital punishment entirely, global pressure mounts on authorities to uphold human rights principles and ensure justice prevails without resorting to irreversible actions like state-sanctioned killings.
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