As Iran executed an annual high in August, the UN has voiced calls for a halting of the government’s continued unlawful execution spree.
With at least 81 individuals executed in August, the number is twice as many as the 45 executions reported in July, based on information received by the UN’s team of experts.
So far this year, there have been over 400 executions, including 15 women, however, concerns remain that the number is in reality, much higher. Last year, it was well over 850, most of whom were political dissidents.
“We are deeply concerned by this sharp rise in executions. According to information received, of the 81 executions in August, only a fraction is officially reported by the Islamic Republic of Iran, highlighting the urgent need for transparency,” they said.
Nearly half (41) the executions were carried out for drug offences. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Iran is a party, restricts the application of the death penalty to ‘most serious crimes’, understood as intentional killing.
“Executions for drug offences violate international standards,” the experts said.
Among those executed last month was Reza (Gholamreza) Rasaei, a Kurdish protester from the Yarsani religion, banned in Iran where only Islam, Christianity and Judaism are legally recognised.
His case was, according to the UN, based on a confession reportedly obtained through torture. “Reports of serious violations of fair trial and due process rights mean that the death penalty as it is currently practiced in the Islamic Republic of Iran amounts to unlawful execution,” the UN experts said.
Source » iranintl