Executions in Iran Estimated to Have Doubled in 2025, Report Says
The number of executions in Iran is projected to surpass previous records, with estimates suggesting that executions will have more than doubled by 2025 compared to 2024. According to the Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) group, the situation is dire:
– IHR has confirmed at least 1,500 executions up until early December 2025, noting that the real number may be significantly higher.
– In contrast, 975 executions were verified in 2024, marking a stark increase.
– The Iranian government does not provide official statistics, making exact counts difficult.
These alarming figures align with reports from various monitoring organizations, highlighting a troubling trend:
Rising Execution Rates Amidst Political Turmoil
Prior to significant protests that erupted across Iran in 2022 following the death of Mahsa Amini, execution rates were already on the rise:
– Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish woman, was detained for allegedly wearing her hijab improperly.
– Her death sparked the largest protests against Iran’s theocratic regime in many years.
– In 2022, executions increased from around 520 to 832 the next year, according to IHR data.
While some individuals have been executed for protesting or alleged espionage, 99% of those put to death have been convicted of murder or drug-related offenses, a ratio that has remained stable despite fluctuating sociopolitical conditions.
Fear as a Tool for Repression
Activists argue that the Iranian regime escalates executions when feeling threatened. This strategy appears to serve a dual purpose:
– It aims to suppress internal dissent.
– It seeks to instill fear among the populace.
The uptick in executions has been noticeable in the wake of the recent 12-day conflict with Israel and significant setbacks encountered by Iran’s proxy forces throughout the region.
International Response
The situation in Iran has drawn condemnation from multiple international bodies:
– UN experts have voiced their concerns, calling for an immediate halt to the execution of activists.
– They have characterized the scale of executions in Iran as staggering.
Conclusion
As we head into 2025, the forecast for executions in Iran paints a grim picture, with numbers expected to exceed previous highs. The country’s approach to capital punishment remains a contentious issue, heavily entwined with its political landscape. Activists warn that this trend not only serves as a tool for suppression but also as a reminder of the regime’s attempts to control dissent through fear and violence.