Iran: More than 350 executions in the first half of 2023 – number of unreported cases probably higher
In the first six months of 2023, at least 354 people, including six women, were executed in Iran. 20 of all executions involved members of the Baloch minority. 206 people were executed for drug-related offenses, a 126% increase from the same period last year.
Iran Human Rights highlights the accelerated pace of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s execution machinery and once again calls on UN member states to break their silence and make every effort to save the lives of those sentenced to death in Iran by taking a stand on state killings.
Director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam said, “The death penalty is used to create fear in society and prevent further protests. Most of those killed are cheap victims of the killing machine, drug addicts who are among the most marginalized communities.”
Executions in the last six months at a glance:
- At least 354 people were executed between Jan. 1 and June 30.
- 206 people were executed for drug offenses.
- 122 people were executed for murder.
- 4 people were executed for rape.
- 5 protesters were executed.
- 2 people were executed for blasphemy.
- A Swedish-Iranian citizen was executed.
- A British-Iranian citizen was executed on espionage charges.
- two men were publicly hanged.
- Only 43 (12%) of the recorded executions were reported by official sources.
- Among those executed were 6 women.
- 71 (20%) members of the Baloch minority were executed.
According to Iranian human rights statistics, at least 354 people were executed across Iran, a sharp increase compared to the same period last year. In the first six months of 2022, 261 people were executed, compared to 121 in 2021, a 36% increase over 2022.
It should be noted that in cases of executions that have not been officially reported, Iran Human Rights only takes into account executions that could be verified by two independent sources. Therefore, the actual number of executions is undoubtedly higher than those reported.
Source: https://deathpenaltynews.blogspot.com/2023/07/iran-six-month-report-at-least-354.html