Introduction
Iran has executed 354 people so far this year, a 126% increase from the same period last year. The majority of the executions have been for drug-related charges.
This is the highest number of executions in Iran in the first half of a year since 2015. The increase in executions has been met with widespread international condemnation.
Drug-Related Executions
The majority of the executions in Iran this year have been for drug-related charges. According to the Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) organization, 206 people have been executed for drug-related offenses in the first half of 2023. This is a 126% increase from the same period last year.
The IHR has criticized the Iranian government for its “draconian” drug laws, which it says disproportionately target the poor and marginalized. The IHR also says that the Iranian government often uses the death penalty as a way to silence dissent.
Other Executions
In addition to the drug-related executions, Iran has also executed people for other crimes, including murder, terrorism, and political offenses.
Six women have been executed in Iran so far this year, the highest number in a decade. The IHR says that the executions of women are often carried out in secret and without due process.
International Condemnation
The increase in executions in Iran has been met with widespread international condemnation. Human rights groups have called on the Iranian government to end the use of the death penalty.
The United Nations has also criticized the Iranian government’s use of the death penalty. In a recent report, the UN said that the death penalty is “a cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment.”
Conclusion
The increase in executions in Iran is a cause for serious concern. The Iranian government’s use of the death penalty is arbitrary and often discriminatory. The international community must continue to pressure the Iranian government to end the use of this cruel and inhumane punishment.
