According to reports from the UN human rights chief, Iran executed at least 901 individuals in 2024, marking a troubling 6% rise from the previous year. This alarming trend, characterized by a significant increase in executions related to political dissent and drug offenses, raises concerns among human rights organizations and advocates.
Surge in Executions in Iran: UN Reports 901 Deaths in 2024
Surge in Executions in Iran: UN Reports 901 Deaths in 2024
The United Nations highlights a stark rise in executions in Iran, with the total reaching 901 last year, the highest in nine years.
The UN’s Volker Türk described the rise in capital punishment as “deeply disturbing,” emphasizing the urgent need for Iran to halt these practices and consider abolishing the death penalty altogether. He underscored that these actions violate fundamental human rights principles and pose a risk of wrongful executions.
The troubling figures reveal a grim reality: executions were notably concentrated among ethnic minorities, particularly Kurds, and included a rising number of women, with 31 executed — the highest tally in 17 years. Reports indicate that many of these cases stemmed from drug-related offenses, which critics argue do not constitute the "most serious crimes" necessitating such severe penalties under international law.
Human rights activists have expressed outrage over the continued execution of individuals, including juvenile offenders, a stark violation of international mandates against capital punishment for those under 18. In 2023 alone, Iran accounted for a staggering 74% of global executions—excluding data from China, known for its secretive and vast death penalty regime.
International attention is now focused on Iran’s human rights practices, with calls for a moratorium on the death penalty as the world watches closely for any further developments in this critical issue.
The troubling figures reveal a grim reality: executions were notably concentrated among ethnic minorities, particularly Kurds, and included a rising number of women, with 31 executed — the highest tally in 17 years. Reports indicate that many of these cases stemmed from drug-related offenses, which critics argue do not constitute the "most serious crimes" necessitating such severe penalties under international law.
Human rights activists have expressed outrage over the continued execution of individuals, including juvenile offenders, a stark violation of international mandates against capital punishment for those under 18. In 2023 alone, Iran accounted for a staggering 74% of global executions—excluding data from China, known for its secretive and vast death penalty regime.
International attention is now focused on Iran’s human rights practices, with calls for a moratorium on the death penalty as the world watches closely for any further developments in this critical issue.
