UN rights experts raise concerns as Iran executions surge to over 400 in 2024
People erect a display to bring attention to the execution of three protesters by the Iranian regime in view of the White House, Friday, May 19, 2023, in Washington. (Phelan M. Ebenhack via AP)
A group of 11 independent United Nations rights experts expressed deep concern on Monday over a significant surge in executions in Iran, which has brought the total number of executions in the country to over 400 so far this year.
At least 81 people were executed in Iran in August alone, a substantial increase from the 45 reported in July. The experts noted that 15 women were among those executed since the start of 2024.
“Executions for drug offenses violate international standards,” they said.
Iran has the second-highest number of executions globally, after China, according to rights groups like Amnesty International. The UN experts highlighted that 41 of the executions in August were for drug offenses, which they emphasised violates international standards.
The experts also raised concerns about the fairness of death penalty trials in Iran, citing reports of torture, coerced confessions, and lack of due process. They pointed to the case of Reza Rasaei, a Kurdish protester executed in August, whose conviction was based on a confession allegedly 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,” they added.
The experts called for an immediate halt to executions in Iran, citing concerns that innocent individuals may have been executed.
