Human rights sources report that on Sunday, December 22, the Iranian regime executed at least seven prisoners across various cities. This disturbing event highlights the ongoing and increasing use of capital punishment in Iran, often targeting vulnerable and marginalized groups.
Details of Recent Executions
According to human rights sources, executions were carried out in Sari, Isfahan, and Zahedan:
Sari: Four prisoners, including a woman, were executed. The identified individuals were:
Efat Hamedi, 35, and Yusef Sattari, 38, charged with murder.
Jamal Asgarabadi, 45, and Manouchehr Hedayati, 47, charged with drug-related crimes.
Isfahan: Two prisoners were executed in the Dastgerd (central) prison:
Ashkan Parse, 29, and Arman Samadi, 30, both convicted of drug-related offenses by the Islamic Revolutionary Court.
Zahedan: Soltan Jahantigh was executed for intentional murder in Zahedan Central Prison.
These executions are part of a troubling trend. According to the Iranian Human Rights Organization, executions for drug-related crimes have surged over the past four years, with an 84% increase in total executions in 2023 compared to the previous year, reaching 471.
The Legal and Judicial Context
Iran’s legal system permits the issuance of death sentences under the principle of “retaliation in kind” (qisas). This policy applies universally to all cases of intentional homicide, regardless of motive or circumstances. Critics argue that this rigid approach fails to account for the nuances of each case, contributing to the high rate of executions.
Execution Statistics in 2024
The period from January to December 2024 has seen a significant increase in executions:
Total Executions: By December 1, 2024, at least 798 executions were reported, with the number expected to surpass 800 by year’s end. This figure underscores Iran’s status as one of the leading countries for executions globally.
Monthly Trends:
January 2024: 88 executions, marking a 39% increase compared to January 2023 and a 91% rise from January 2022.
October 2024: A record 178 executions—approximately one every four hours—the highest monthly total in over two decades.
November 2024: At least 144 executions, primarily for drug-related offenses and other non-serious crimes.
Broader Implications
The surge in executions aligns with the Iranian regime’s strategy to suppress dissent and maintain control amid ongoing political unrest. Following widespread protests in late 2022, the regime has intensified its use of capital punishment, particularly targeting political prisoners and ethnic minorities.
Targeted Groups: Marginalized communities, including the Baluch and Kurds, are disproportionately affected. Reports suggest these groups are often subject to unfair trials and harsher penalties.
International Response: Human rights organizations have condemned these practices, urging the global community to take action. Critics argue that the regime uses executions to divert attention from internal crises while reinforcing its grip on power.
Conclusion
The data from 2024 illustrates an alarming escalation in executions, reflecting broader patterns of repression and human rights abuses in Iran. The international community continues to call for transparency and accountability, emphasizing the urgent need for reform in Iran’s judicial practices surrounding capital punishment. Addressing this issue requires coordinated global efforts to ensure justice and protect human rights in Iran.
Source » irannewsupdate