The Iranian Human Rights Organization reported on Wednesday, March 5, that at least 74 people, including several Afghan, Kurdish, and Baluch citizens, were executed in Iran between February 1 and February 28. This figure represents more than an eightfold increase compared to the same period last year.
According to the report, among those executed, 33 were convicted of murder, 32 were charged with drug-related offenses, six were accused of rape, and three were executed for “moharebeh” (waging war against God) through armed robbery.
Only 8% of these executions were officially announced in state media.
Since February 10 of Last Year, 1,021 Executions by Hanging in Iran
The Iranian Human Rights Organization noted that among those executed, seven were Kurdish citizens, six were Baluch citizens, and four were Afghan nationals. Additionally, one woman was executed during this period.
The organization highlighted the significant increase in executions this February compared to last year, stating: “In February 2024, nine people were executed, but this year, the number has risen to 74.”
According to the report, “One of the reasons for the temporary decrease in executions in February last year was its coincidence with the first round of parliamentary elections on March 1, 2024.”
The Iranian Human Rights Organization linked the execution rate to political developments in Iran, stating that based on past experiences, executions tend to increase during periods when nationwide protests are likely or immediately after they occur. Conversely, the number of executions decreases before elections when the government seeks higher voter participation.
The Iranian Regime Has Placed The “Noose of Execution” Around the People’s Necks
Another section of the report examined public executions, noting that recently, on February 28, a person was executed at “Behesht Bridge” in Esfarayen.
An analysis of public executions in Iran from 2008 to 2024 shows significant fluctuations in this method of execution, closely tied to political and social developments in the country.
Public executions, which were recorded at 22 cases in 2008, declined in 2009 but began to rise again in 2010. The peak was reached in 2012, with 65 reported cases.
This trend continued until 2015, with high figures such as 60, 59, and 57 cases recorded. From 2016 onwards, the number of such executions declined, reaching 33 cases in 2018 and 31 in 2019.
In 2020, with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of public executions dropped to 10. This sudden decline was likely due to health restrictions and increased scrutiny from international organizations.
However, since 2022, public executions have resumed. Initially, only two cases were recorded, but in 2023, this number rose to seven. In 2024, four public executions were reported, indicating the Iranian regime’s gradual return to this repressive method to instill fear in society.
The Iranian Human Rights Organization, expressing deep concern over the increase in executions, has called on the international community and Iranian citizens inside and outside the country to voice their opposition to the Iranian regime by all possible means and to work towards stopping this trend.
The rising issuance and execution of death sentences by the Iranian regime have drawn widespread international criticism, including from the United States.
