Iran carried out 157 executions in May, rights group says

Iran executed at least 157 people last month, the highest monthly figure this year, according to US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA).

Most were executed after being convicted of murder or drug-related offenses, while others faced charges such as rape or corruption on earth.

HRANA also reported the execution of political prisoner Pedram Madani on charges of allegedly spying for Israel, as well as a public hanging in Lorestan province.

Twelve new death sentences were issued in May, including for political prisoner Mohammad-Amin Mahdavi Shayesteh and poet Peyman Farah-Avar, whose charges stemmed from protest-related writings, the group said.