Iran's Execution Spree: A Deep Dive Into A Nation's Grim Reality

Hannah Stiedemann 22 Jun 2025

**The Islamic Republic of Iran stands at a critical juncture, grappling with internal dissent and facing escalating international scrutiny over its alarming use of capital punishment. The practice of **Iran execution** has intensified to unprecedented levels, drawing widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and global bodies alike. This article delves into the grim statistics, the methods employed, the targets of this severe penalty, and the underlying political motivations, shedding light on a human rights crisis that demands urgent attention.** The data paints a stark picture of a state increasingly relying on the death penalty as a tool for control, particularly amidst growing public unrest and defiance. The scale of executions in Iran has reached a harrowing peak, with figures revealing a sharp and continuous upward trend. This surge is not merely a statistical anomaly but a deeply concerning indicator of the human rights situation within the country, impacting countless lives and families. Understanding the full scope of this crisis requires a comprehensive look at the numbers, the legal framework, and the profound human cost. *** ## Table of Contents 1. [The Alarming Scale of Iran's Executions](#the-alarming-scale-of-irans-executions) 2. [The Method and Public Display of Capital Punishment](#the-method-and-public-display-of-capital-punishment) 3. [Who is Targeted? A Closer Look at Victims of Capital Punishment](#who-is-targeted-a-closer-look-at-victims-of-capital-punishment) * [Women and Child Brides: A Tragic Reality](#women-and-child-brides-a-tragic-reality) * [Ethnic Minorities: Disproportionate Targeting](#ethnic-minorities-disproportionate-targeting) 4. [The Driving Force: Fear of Popular Uprising](#the-driving-force-fear-of-popular-uprising) 5. [International Condemnation and Calls for Halt](#international-condemnation-and-calls-for-halt) 6. [The Role of Human Rights Organizations in Documenting Executions](#the-role-of-human-rights-organizations-in-documenting-executions) 7. [Dissent and Defiance on the Streets of Iran](#dissent-and-defiance-on-the-streets-of-iran) 8. [Looking Ahead: The Continuing Crisis of Capital Punishment in Iran](#looking-ahead-the-continuing-crisis-of-capital-punishment-in-iran) *** ## The Alarming Scale of Iran's Executions The statistics surrounding **Iran execution** are nothing short of horrifying. The United Nations chief has described the rate of executions in Iran as "alarming," a sentiment echoed by numerous human rights watchdogs. According to the 17th annual report on the death penalty in Iran, jointly published by Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) and ECPM (Together Against the Death Penalty), the year 2024 witnessed an unprecedented escalation in the use of the death penalty by the Islamic Republic. This comprehensive report reveals that at least 975 executions were carried out in 2024, marking a staggering 17% increase from the 834 recorded in 2023. This surge represents the highest number of recorded executions in recent history, solidifying Iran's position as the world’s most prolific executioner after China. The grim tally for 2024 alone, at 862 executions, indicates the highest per capita execution rate globally. Even in recent days, the pace shows no sign of slowing, with 20 executions reported, and at least 748 executions occurring during Pezeshkian’s term. The sheer volume of these figures underscores a deliberate and intensified campaign of capital punishment. Capital punishment is a legal penalty in Iran, with a broad list of crimes punishable by death. These include murder, plotting to overthrow the Islamic government, and even working as a spy for foreign intelligence agencies, as seen in the recent hanging of a man convicted of spying for Israel's foreign intelligence agency. The expansive nature of these capital offenses allows the authorities considerable leeway in applying the death penalty, often in cases that human rights groups argue do not meet international standards for the "most serious crimes." ## The Method and Public Display of Capital Punishment The method of **Iran execution** is predominantly by hanging. This practice is not only carried out behind prison walls but, in some instances, is conducted publicly, serving as a stark and brutal display of state power. Four of the executions in 2023 were carried out publicly, a practice designed to instill fear and deter dissent among the populace. The chilling spectacle of public hangings sends a clear message to citizens, reinforcing the authorities' control and their willingness to employ extreme measures. The psychological impact of such public displays cannot be overstated. It is a deliberate tactic to sow fear among the population, aiming to suppress any burgeoning protests or acts of defiance. The images of these public executions resonate deeply within society, creating an atmosphere of intimidation that stifles freedom of expression and assembly. This method of execution, coupled with its public display, highlights the severe and often cruel nature of the Iranian justice system. On Sunday, January 12, 2025, Khamenei’s executioners hanged two prisoners, Pouya Askari and Jafar Fallah, in Arak and Semnan, further demonstrating the relentless pace and geographical spread of these executions across the country. These individual cases, though just two among hundreds, represent the personal tragedies behind the statistics, each a life irrevocably lost to the state's punitive machinery. ## Who is Targeted? A Closer Look at Victims of Capital Punishment While the overall number of executions is alarming, a closer look at the demographics of those executed reveals deeply troubling patterns. Human rights groups consistently report that certain vulnerable groups are disproportionately targeted, exacerbating the injustice of the death penalty in Iran. The broad categories of crimes punishable by death, combined with systemic biases, lead to a highly discriminatory application of capital punishment. ### Women and Child Brides: A Tragic Reality A particularly heartbreaking aspect of **Iran execution** is the increasing number of women being sent to the gallows. As of December 18, 2024, amidst the huge surge in executions in the Islamic Republic, Iranian authorities are now increasingly including women in those it sends to the gallows. Many of these women are child brides who were hanged for the murder of abusive husbands, from whom they had no protection. This highlights a severe failure in the justice system to protect vulnerable individuals, instead punishing them for acts committed often in self-defense or desperation. The plight of child brides is especially tragic. Forced into marriages at a young age, often with older, abusive men, these girls are deprived of their childhoods and basic human rights. When they resort to desperate measures in the face of relentless abuse, the state offers no refuge or protection, only the ultimate penalty. This systemic failure underscores the urgent need for reforms that address the root causes of violence against women and ensure fair trials that consider the circumstances of the accused. The call on Iran to halt executions, including those against women’s rights activists, resonates deeply in this context. ### Ethnic Minorities: Disproportionate Targeting Beyond gender, ethnicity also plays a significant role in who faces the death penalty in Iran. A report published in April 2023 from Iran Human Rights, a human rights group based in Norway, revealed that ethnic minorities in Iran are disproportionately targeted in executions. This pattern suggests a systemic bias within the judicial process, where individuals from marginalized communities face a higher likelihood of being sentenced to death compared to their counterparts from the dominant ethnic groups. This disproportionate targeting of ethnic minorities adds another layer of concern to Iran's execution practices. It points to a justice system that is not only harsh but also potentially discriminatory, using capital punishment as a tool to exert control over specific populations. Such practices violate fundamental principles of equality and justice, further undermining the legitimacy of the death penalty in the eyes of the international community. ## The Driving Force: Fear of Popular Uprising The unprecedented acceleration of **Iran execution** is largely attributed to the regime's profound fear of a popular uprising. Khamenei’s executioners, gripped by fear of a public outburst, have drastically accelerated the pace of executions. This suggests that the surge in capital punishment is not merely about enforcing law and order but is a deliberate strategy to quell dissent and maintain power amidst growing public discontent. Years after the death of Mahsa Amini and the mass protests it sparked, Iran still faces significant dissent on the streets of Iranian cities. It’s becoming increasingly common to see a woman pass by without a mandatory hijab, a clear sign of ongoing defiance. The approaching third anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death serves as a potent reminder of the fragility of the regime's control and the persistent desire for change among the Iranian populace. In response, the authorities appear to be using the death penalty as a brutal means of intimidation, attempting to sow fear and prevent further widespread protests. This strategy, however, risks further fueling public anger and resentment, potentially leading to even greater instability. ## International Condemnation and Calls for Halt The escalating rate of **Iran execution** has not gone unnoticed on the international stage. The United Nations, various governments, and human rights organizations have consistently condemned Iran's actions and called for an immediate halt to executions. Finland’s foreign minister called his Iranian counterpart to express concerns, while German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock described a recent execution as “a blatant attempt at intimidation” of Iranians. She emphasized, “we are making clear that we stand beside innocent people in Iran,” as she arrived at a Brussels meeting. These condemnations highlight the global concern over Iran's human rights record. The international community views the death penalty, especially when applied broadly and without due process, as a violation of fundamental human rights. Calls for a halt to executions, including those against women's rights activists and individuals from marginalized communities, reflect a unified demand for Iran to adhere to international human rights standards. The pressure from global bodies and individual nations underscores the moral imperative to challenge Iran's reliance on capital punishment as a tool of political repression. ## The Role of Human Rights Organizations in Documenting Executions In the face of severe restrictions and a lack of transparency from the Iranian authorities, human rights organizations play a crucial role in documenting and reporting on the alarming number of **Iran execution** cases. Organizations like Amnesty International, in collaboration with the Abdorrahman Boroumand Centre, meticulously record the number of executions carried out. Their work draws from open sources, including reports by state media, independent media, and human rights organizations. Furthermore, organizations such as Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) and Kurdistan Human Rights Network meticulously review execution logs, cross-referencing information to ensure accuracy. This painstaking work is vital, as it provides the world with verifiable data on the scale and nature of capital punishment in Iran. Without the dedication of these groups, the true extent of Iran's execution spree would remain largely unknown, allowing the authorities to operate with even greater impunity. Their reports serve as critical evidence, informing international advocacy efforts and holding the Iranian government accountable for its actions. ## Dissent and Defiance on the Streets of Iran Despite the severe crackdown and the escalating number of **Iran execution** cases, dissent continues to simmer and, at times, boil over on the streets of Iranian cities. The spirit of defiance, ignited by events such as the death of Mahsa Amini, persists. The sight of women openly flouting the mandatory hijab law is a powerful symbol of this ongoing resistance. This act of defiance, seemingly small, carries immense weight in a society where such actions can lead to severe repercussions, including potential arrest and even execution. The authorities' use of the death penalty to sow fear among the populace is a direct response to this persistent dissent. They aim to crush any form of opposition, whether it be through protests, acts of civil disobedience, or even expressions of discontent on social media. However, history has shown that fear alone cannot extinguish the human desire for freedom and justice. The ongoing defiance suggests that the regime's strategy of intimidation, while brutal, may ultimately be unsustainable in the face of a population increasingly unwilling to be silenced. The third anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death and the mass protests it sparked serve as a constant reminder of the deep-seated grievances that continue to fuel resistance. ## Looking Ahead: The Continuing Crisis of Capital Punishment in Iran The trajectory of **Iran execution** points towards a continuing crisis, deeply intertwined with the political stability and human rights situation within the country. As long as the Iranian regime perceives a threat from popular uprisings and internal dissent, it is likely to continue its reliance on capital punishment as a tool of control and intimidation. The recent acceleration in executions, particularly targeting vulnerable groups and those perceived as threats to the government, indicates a deepening commitment to this harsh policy. The international community's role remains crucial. Sustained pressure, robust documentation by human rights organizations, and diplomatic efforts are essential to hold Iran accountable and to advocate for a moratorium on executions, with the ultimate goal of abolishing the death penalty. The stories of those executed, like Pouya Askari and Jafar Fallah, and the systemic injustices faced by women, child brides, and ethnic minorities, underscore the urgent need for global action. Only through persistent advocacy and unwavering attention can there be hope for a future where justice in Iran is served with humanity, not through the gallows. *** The alarming escalation of **Iran execution** is a multifaceted crisis rooted in political fear, systemic injustice, and a disregard for fundamental human rights. The grim statistics, the public nature of some hangings, and the disproportionate targeting of vulnerable populations paint a harrowing picture of a nation in distress. While the authorities employ capital punishment to quell dissent, the spirit of defiance among the Iranian people persists, fueled by a deep yearning for freedom and justice. The international community, led by human rights organizations, must continue to shine a light on these atrocities, demanding accountability and advocating for an immediate halt to executions. The path forward for Iran must be one that prioritizes human dignity, fair trials, and the protection of all its citizens, rather than relying on the brutal machinery of the death penalty. **What are your thoughts on the alarming rate of executions in Iran and the international response? Share your comments below and join the conversation.**