The Shadow Of The Gallows: Unraveling Hangings In Iran

Mr. Jack Roob DVM 22 Jun 2025

The practice of capital punishment, particularly hangings in Iran, casts a long and grim shadow, drawing urgent global attention to a deeply concerning human rights crisis. In recent years, the Islamic Republic has seen an alarming escalation in the use of the death penalty, a trend that coincides with heightened internal instability and a palpable fear of widespread public dissent. This article delves into the harrowing reality of executions in Iran, examining the methods, the sheer scale, the systemic injustices, and the profound human cost.

From public spectacles designed to instill fear to the quiet, unannounced executions of political prisoners, the methods employed by Iranian authorities are a stark reminder of the state's grip on power. As international bodies and human rights organizations voice their dismay, the world watches on, grappling with the implications of a nation that increasingly relies on the gallows as a tool of governance and repression.

Table of Contents

The Alarming Reality of Capital Punishment in Iran
A Surge in Executions: Unprecedented Numbers
The Role of Public Hangings
Flawed Justice: Sham Trials and Torture
- Confessions Under Duress
- Political Prisoners at Risk
The Plight of Vulnerable Groups
- Women and Child Brides
- Targeting Dissent
Historical Context of Capital Punishment in Iran
International Outcry and Calls for Action
The Human Cost and Future Implications

The Alarming Reality of Capital Punishment in Iran

Iran stands as one of the world’s top executioners, a grim distinction it maintains by consistently employing capital punishment, primarily through hanging. The method itself, executions by hanging, is a stark and brutal reality that has become synonymous with the Iranian judicial system. Human rights organizations worldwide have unequivocally condemned this practice, asserting that "Executions [in Iran] are an arbitrary deprivation of life." This statement underscores a fundamental breach of international human rights law, where the state's power to take a life is exercised outside the bounds of due process and fundamental fairness.

The scale of this issue is not merely theoretical; it is a lived nightmare for countless individuals and their families. Iranian authorities are currently engaged in what human rights groups describe as a "horrific execution spree," a relentless campaign of capital punishment that has seen an unprecedented number of lives taken. The sheer volume of executions signals a deliberate and intensified policy, rather than isolated incidents. This pervasive use of the death penalty is not just a matter of judicial practice; it is deeply intertwined with the broader political landscape and the state's efforts to maintain control. The escalating numbers paint a chilling picture of a nation where the gallows are increasingly utilized to suppress dissent and instill fear, raising urgent questions about justice, human dignity, and the rule of law.

A Surge in Executions: Unprecedented Numbers

The current wave of executions in Iran represents a horrifying escalation, marking the highest annual total in recent years. This surge is not merely an unfortunate uptick; it is a calculated acceleration, coinciding ominously with "growing internal instability and fear of a nationwide uprising." The regime, seemingly gripped by a profound fear of public outburst, has drastically intensified the pace of executions, using capital punishment as a tool to quell potential dissent and consolidate power.

The statistics are stark and deeply troubling. According to the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), a politically independent organization based in Oslo, Norway, a staggering 961 executions (83% of the total) took place under the tenure of Masoud Pezeshkian, who assumed office in late July 2024. This figure alone highlights a rapid and concerning increase in judicial killings under the current administration.

Further data from the 17th annual report on the death penalty in Iran, published jointly by Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) and ECPM (Together Against the Death Penalty), reveals a horrifying escalation in the use of the death penalty by the Islamic Republic in 2024. The year witnessed at least 975 executions, marking a 17% increase from the 834 recorded in 2023. This surge represents the highest number of recorded executions in recent memory, indicating a deliberate and systematic intensification of capital punishment. In fact, NGOs report that Iran last year carried out more hangings than in any year since 2015, underscoring the severity of the current crisis.

The pace of these executions is truly unprecedented. In April 2025 alone, there were "at least 110 reported executions," a figure that speaks volumes about the relentless nature of this spree. With 862 executions recorded so far in 2024, Iran has the highest per capita execution rate globally, a chilling testament to the regime's reliance on the death penalty. This "unprecedented acceleration of executions in fear of popular uprising" suggests that the authorities view capital punishment not merely as a form of justice, but as a critical instrument for maintaining control and suppressing any potential challenge to their authority. "Khamenei’s executioners, gripped by fear of a public outburst, have drastically accelerated the pace of executions," a statement that succinctly captures the desperate measures being taken by the regime.

The Role of Public Hangings

While Iran typically carries out executions by hanging, a particularly egregious aspect of this practice is the return and increase of public hangings. In 2024, "Four of the executions were carried out publicly," signaling a disturbing trend towards using these spectacles as a tool of intimidation. The very act of public hanging is not just a punishment for the condemned; it is a grim message delivered to the entire populace.

Historically, public executions in Iran occurred regularly during the Qajar dynasty but declined significantly with the Persian Constitutional Revolution, becoming a rare occurrence under the Pahlavi dynasty. However, "With the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1979, capital punishment and public executions returned on an unprecedented scale." This historical context highlights how the current regime has revived and amplified a practice once largely abandoned, transforming it into a cornerstone of its repressive apparatus.

The United Nations Human Rights Office had previously warned about a spike in executions in Iran, noting that in 2013, "500 people were known to have been executed in Iran, including 57 in public." The recent resurgence of public hangings in 2024 is therefore a regression, a return to a more overt and brutal form of state control. Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) has specifically warned about "the return of public hangings to Iranian streets" and "urges the international community to deal seriously with this type of execution in Iran."

The reasoning behind such strong condemnation is clear: "public hanging is an inhumane, cruel and degrading act that not only victimises the defendant but also the general public." These public displays of state power are designed to terrorize, to instill a deep-seated fear that discourages any form of dissent or opposition. By making the ultimate punishment a public spectacle, the authorities aim to send a chilling message, reminding citizens of the severe consequences of defying the regime. This deliberate use of public executions underscores the repressive nature of the state and its willingness to employ extreme measures to maintain its grip on power.

Flawed Justice: Sham Trials and Torture

A deeply disturbing characteristic of the Iranian judicial system, particularly in cases leading to hangings in Iran, is the pervasive lack of due process. Human rights reports consistently highlight that "Executions follow sham trials and 'confessions' extracted under torture." This systematic disregard for fair legal procedures transforms the judicial process into a mere formality, a rubber stamp for predetermined outcomes, rather than a genuine pursuit of justice. The very foundation of a fair trial – the right to legal representation, the right to present evidence, and the presumption of innocence – is routinely undermined.

Confessions Under Duress

The reliance on "confessions" obtained through coercion, often under torture, is a critical component of these sham trials. These "confessions" are not voluntary admissions of guilt but rather products of extreme duress, designed to expedite convictions and legitimize the state's narrative. The chilling statement that "The five men were executed after sham trials tainted by" such practices underscores how these forced admissions become the primary, often sole, basis for conviction, completely disregarding the principles of justice and human dignity. This practice not only violates international human rights standards but also renders the entire judicial process illegitimate, transforming it into a tool of state repression rather than a dispenser of justice.

Political Prisoners at Risk

The targeting of political prisoners for execution is a particularly egregious aspect of this flawed system. There are "at least 50 political prisoners now facing execution in Iran, including three women." These individuals are often arrested for their activism, dissent, or perceived opposition to the regime, and their trials are frequently shrouded in secrecy, lacking transparency and fairness. The swift and brutal nature of these proceedings is evident in reports such as, "at dawn on Tuesday, April 8, the Islamic Republic executed five more political prisoners without any notice to their families or granting them a final visit." This deliberate denial of basic human courtesies, such as a final goodbye to loved ones, highlights the callous disregard for human life and dignity.

Furthermore, the regime has not hesitated to target individuals detained during demonstrations. Reports indicate that Iran "executed the first prisoner detained during demonstrations last Thursday," sending a clear and terrifying message to anyone considering participating in protests. This swift retribution against those involved in popular uprisings underscores the regime's determination to crush dissent through fear and intimidation, using the ultimate penalty as its most potent weapon. The systematic nature of these political executions reveals a calculated strategy to eliminate opposition and maintain an iron grip on power, regardless of the human cost or international condemnation.

The Plight of Vulnerable Groups

The brutal reality of hangings in Iran extends disproportionately to some of the most vulnerable segments of society, including women and those involved in political dissent. The regime's use of capital punishment reveals a disturbing pattern of targeting, exacerbating existing societal inequalities and suppressing fundamental freedoms.

Women and Child Brides

The situation for women facing the death penalty in Iran is particularly harrowing. A significant number of those executed are women, and alarmingly, "Many were child brides hanged for murder of abusive husbands from whom there was no protection." This tragic reality exposes a profound systemic failure where young girls, forced into marriage and subjected to abuse, find no recourse or protection within the legal system. Instead, when they act in self-defense, they are condemned to death, highlighting the severe injustices embedded within the legal framework.

Moreover, "growing political executions in Iran now also include women December 18, 2024." This indicates a broader trend where women are not only victims of domestic violence but also increasingly targeted for their political activities or perceived opposition. "Amidst a huge surge in executions in the Islamic Republic... the Iranian authorities are now increasingly including women in those it sends to the gallows." This expansion of the death penalty to include more women, particularly in politically charged cases, underscores the regime's intensified efforts to suppress all forms of dissent, regardless of gender. The disproportionate impact on women, who often face unique vulnerabilities within Iranian society, adds another layer of cruelty to the already grim picture of capital punishment.

Targeting Dissent

The death penalty is overtly used as a tool to crush any form of political opposition or public unrest. This is evident in the fact that among those executed were "eight people associated with the nationwide protests." This direct link between participation in demonstrations and execution serves as a stark warning to anyone contemplating challenging the regime. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have accused the Islamic Republic of "using capital punishment as a means to instill fear in the wake of" protests. This strategy aims to deter future uprisings by demonstrating the extreme consequences of defiance.

The regime's fear of a popular uprising is a driving force behind the acceleration of executions. By swiftly executing protestors and political prisoners, the authorities seek to send a chilling message: dissent will not be tolerated, and its price is life itself. This systematic targeting of those involved in demonstrations, coupled with the overall surge in executions, illustrates a calculated effort to maintain social control through terror. The use of capital punishment, particularly hangings in Iran, becomes a political weapon, wielded to suppress the aspirations for freedom and change among the populace.

Historical Context of Capital Punishment in Iran

Understanding the current prevalence of hangings in Iran requires a brief look into the nation's historical relationship with capital punishment. The practice has not always been as widespread or as publicly visible as it is today. During the Qajar dynasty, public executions occurred regularly, serving as a brutal display of state power and a means of maintaining social order through fear. These public spectacles were a common feature of the legal landscape, deeply embedded in the punitive system of the era.

However, with the advent of the Persian Constitutional Revolution in the early 20th century, there was a significant shift in attitudes towards public executions. The revolutionary movement brought about reforms and a move towards modernization, which saw a decline in such practices. Under the Pahlavi dynasty, which followed the Qajar era, public executions became a rare occurrence. The Pahlavi monarchs, particularly during the latter half of their rule, sought to project an image of a modernizing nation, and the overt brutality of public hangings did not align with this vision. While capital punishment itself remained, its public display was largely phased out, reflecting a changing social and political ethos.

The landscape dramatically changed "With the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1979." The revolution ushered in a new era where capital punishment, and specifically public executions, returned on an unprecedented scale. The new regime, rooted in a different interpretation of Islamic law and driven by revolutionary fervor, swiftly reinstated and even amplified the use of the death penalty. This re-establishment was not merely a return to previous practices but an intensification, transforming capital punishment into a pervasive and highly visible aspect of the state's legal and political machinery. The post-revolutionary period has seen the gallows become a prominent symbol of state authority, used extensively to suppress dissent, enforce religious laws, and maintain control, thereby cementing the current grim reality of hangings in Iran.

International Outcry and Calls for Action

The escalating rate of hangings in Iran has not gone unnoticed by the international community, sparking widespread condemnation and urgent calls for intervention. Human rights organizations and global bodies have consistently raised alarms, expressing profound dismay at the sheer scale and brutality of these executions.

The United Nations Human Rights Office has repeatedly warned about the spike in executions. For instance, on the third day of the 59th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) on June 18, 2025, "the spotlight turned to reports on rising executions in Iran and the increasing repression of civic space around the world amid a wave of elections." This highlights the ongoing and grave concern within the UN system regarding Iran's human rights record. The UN's concern is long-standing, as evidenced by its warning about 500 executions in 2013, including 57 in public.

Experts from the UN have voiced their profound distress, stating, "we are dismayed by the unprecedented rise in executions in Iran and note that at least 834 people were executed in 2023, including eight people associated with the nationwide protests." This explicit mention of protestors among the executed underscores the political nature of many of these killings. The international community's message is clear and unequivocal: "we urge the Iranian government to stop this horrific wave of executions." This call to action reflects a consensus among human rights advocates that Iran's current trajectory is unsustainable and deeply violative of international norms.

Organizations like Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) and ECPM (Together Against the Death Penalty) have been at the forefront of documenting these atrocities. Their joint 17th annual report on the death penalty in Iran provides crucial data, revealing the horrifying escalation and urging serious engagement from the international community. The consistent reporting from these non-governmental organizations provides the factual basis for international advocacy, ensuring that the scale of the crisis is recognized and addressed. The collective voice of the international community, though often frustrated by the lack of tangible change, continues to put pressure on Iran, hoping to halt the devastating trend of hangings in Iran and promote respect for human rights.

The Human Cost and Future Implications

Beyond the statistics and legal frameworks, the most profound impact of hangings in Iran is the immeasurable human cost. Each execution represents a life arbitrarily extinguished, a family shattered, and a community traumatized. The systematic use of the death penalty, often following sham trials and confessions extracted under torture, inflicts deep wounds on the fabric of society, fostering an environment of fear, distrust, and despair. The stories of child brides hanged for defending themselves against abusive husbands, or political prisoners executed without warning, paint a harrowing picture of a system that prioritizes control over compassion and justice.

The regime's reliance on capital punishment, particularly public hangings, as a means to "instill fear" in the wake of growing internal instability and the threat of a nationwide uprising, speaks volumes about its desperation. This strategy, however, is a double-edged sword. While it may temporarily suppress dissent, it simultaneously fuels resentment and deepens the chasm between the state and its people. The "increasing repression of civic space around the world amid a wave of elections" suggests a broader trend where governments, including Iran, are resorting to harsher measures to stifle voices of opposition and maintain power.

The international community's continued condemnation and calls for an end to this "horrific wave of executions" are crucial. While diplomatic pressure and sanctions may have limited immediate effects, sustained global attention helps to shed light on these abuses, providing a lifeline of hope for victims and their families. The long-term implications for Iran are dire: a society living under constant threat, a justice system devoid of credibility, and a deepening isolation from the international community that values human rights. The path forward for Iran must involve a fundamental shift away from the gallows and towards genuine legal reform, respect for human dignity, and the protection of fundamental freedoms.

Conclusion

The grim reality of hangings in Iran presents a severe human rights crisis that demands unwavering global attention. We have explored the shocking scale of executions, with unprecedented numbers recorded in recent years, often linked to the regime's fear of popular uprisings. The methods, primarily hangings, are frequently carried out after sham trials tainted by torture-induced confessions, highlighting a profound absence of due process. The disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups, including women—some of whom were child brides—and political prisoners, underscores the systemic injustices at play.

Historically, while public executions were once rare, they have returned on an unprecedented scale since the 1979 revolution, serving as a chilling tool to instill fear and suppress dissent. Despite widespread international outcry from organizations like the UN Human Rights Office and various NGOs, the horrific wave of executions continues, raising serious questions about accountability and human dignity.

The human cost of these executions is immeasurable, leaving countless families shattered and fostering an environment of terror. It is imperative that the international community continues to condemn these practices unequivocally and exert pressure on the Iranian authorities to halt this horrific spree. We urge you to stay informed, share this article to raise awareness, and support organizations working tirelessly to advocate for human rights in Iran. Your voice can contribute to the global call for an end to these arbitrary deprivations of life and a future where justice prevails over the gallows.

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