In a series of posts on X, Mai Sato, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Iran, on Tuesday, September 4th, highlighted the execution of at least 93 individuals in Iran over the past month. She noted that only a portion of these executions have been officially reported by the Iranian regime.
Mai Sato expressed concern about the execution of Reza Rasaei, one of those arrested during the nationwide protests in 2022, on August 6th. She pointed out that his conviction was based on confessions obtained through torture, other individuals in the case had retracted their testimonies implicating Rasaei, and a forensic expert had challenged Rasaei’s involvement in the murder.
Ms. Sato emphasized the “necessity of transparency” in the judicial process, stating that executions carried out with a “violation of fair trial and due process” are considered “illegal” and “irreversible.”
The UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Iran stated that based on the reports she has received regarding the current implementation of the death penalty in Iran, she is “deeply” concerned that innocent people may have been executed or may be at risk of execution.
“I have been the Special Rapporteur on Iran for one month. In August 2024, at least 93 people were executed. Based on the information received, only a portion of these executions were officially reported by the Iranian regime, highlighting the need for transparency,” she said.
I have been the Special Rapporteur on #Iran 1 month. During August 2024, at least 93 individuals were executed. Based on information received, only a fraction is officially reported by the Islamic Republic of #Iran, highlighting the need for transparency. https://t.co/vVfWuexkMI
— Mai Sato (@drmaisato) September 3, 2024
Ms. Sato, along with several other UN experts, reported on Friday, September 2nd, that the number of executions by the Iranian regime in August was more than double the 45 executions carried out in July.
The report states that so far this year, 400 Iranian citizens, including 15 women, have been executed by the Iranian regime.
UN experts noted that according to the Iranian regime’s claims, nearly half of those executed had committed drug-related offenses. They added that “execution for drug-related crimes violates international standards.”
In response to this report, a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department described the execution statistics in Iran and the judicial processes leading to such sentences as “concerning.”
Matthew Miller, in his daily press briefing, criticized the Iranian regime’s judiciary, stating that this institution is neither independent nor capable of providing fair trials.
Amnesty International has reported that the Iranian regime was responsible for 74% of the documented executions worldwide last year. Those executed include ethnic minorities, particularly the Baloch, women, and individuals who were minors at the time of their crimes.
