At least 975 people were executed in Iran in 2024, a staggering 17% increase from the 834 executions recorded the previous year, according to a joint report released by the Iran Human Rights Organization (IHRNGO) and Together Against the Death Penalty (ECPM).
"While the world's attention was focused on the growing tensions between Iran and Israel the Islamic Republic took advantage of the lack of international oversight to terrorize its own people by carrying out 5 to 6 executions daily," said Mahmoud Amiri-Moghaddam, director of IHRNGO.
Highlighting the executions as a form of crackdown on dissent, he said: "The death penalty remains its most powerful tool of political repression. These executions are part of the Islamic Republic's war against its own people to maintain power."
The report reveals a disturbing lack of transparency surrounding the executions. Less than 10% (95 cases) were officially reported, a sharp decline from the 15% reported in 2023.
This deliberate lack of transparency, the report argues, not only undermines accountability but also conceals the true extent of the government's use of capital punishment.
A disproportionately large number of executions – at least 503, or 51.6% – were for drug-related offenses, a significant increase compared to previous years.
International law stipulates that death penalties should not be given for drug offences, though 34 countries continue to use it.
The report highlights that these executions disproportionately affect marginalized minorities, including the Baluch community.
For the predominantly Sunni Baluch people of Sistan-Baluchestan province, where unemployment and lack of infrastructure make smuggling—of fuel, goods, and sometimes drugs—a lifeline, even petty drug sales can lead to execution.
According to Mowlavi Abdolhamid, Iran’s top Sunni cleric, many are executed for amounts as small as $15 to $20.
At least 419 executions were for murder, and 31 people were executed on security charges. The report also documents the executions of at least 31 women (the highest number in 17 years), one juvenile offender, and at least 80 Afghan citizens.
Despite the alarming trend, the report also notes a positive development, with at least 649 prisoners sentenced to death for murder pardoned by the victims' families, highlighting the potential impact of grassroots initiatives to reduce the use of capital punishment.
However, the overall picture painted by the report is one of escalating state-sanctioned executions. The report emphasizes the need for increased international pressure and scrutiny to address this critical issue.
