Mai Sato, the UN Special Rapporteur on Iran, called for the abolition of the death penalty in Iran in a video message ahead of October 10, “World Day Against the Death Penalty.”
In a video posted on X, Ms. Sato emphasized that this day holds particular significance for Iran due to the alarming increase in the use of the death penalty by the regime, with over 500 executions in the current year.
10 October is #WorldDayAgainstTheDeathPenalty. 500+ executions were reportedly carried out in #Iran since Jan '24. This includes the use of #CapitalPunishment against women activists &supporters of the Woman, Life, Freedom movement. I join the call to end #DeathPeanlty in this📹 pic.twitter.com/k79W4kZ4ll
— Mai Sato (@drmaisato) October 9, 2024
The UN Special Rapporteur on Iran has identified one of her major concerns as the targeted use of the death penalty by the Iranian government against women activists and supporters of the 2022 protest movement following the death of Mahsa (Jina) Amini in the custody of the morality police in September 2022.
Ms. Sato stated that Iranian regime officials responded to the demands of this movement, including accountability regarding human rights and gender equality, with increased violence and punitive measures.
In part of her message, the UN Special Rapporteur on Iran also referred to the so-called “Noor” plan and the “Chastity and Hijab” bill in the Iranian regime, which she emphasized further showcases the forms of governmental oppression aimed at creating an atmosphere filled with fear and pervasive control.
Mai Sato, while praising the courage of the Iranian people, especially women and girls, despite increasing pressure and repression, also mentioned the campaign “No to Executions Tuesdays” in Iranian prisons; an initiative led by political prisoners who go on hunger strikes every Tuesday to oppose the death penalty.
