At least 52 prisoners were executed in Iran based on prior non-political convictions during a period of nationwide protests and an ongoing internet shutdown, US-based rights group HRANA reported on Friday.
The report said the executions were carried out between January 5 and January 14 in at least 42 prisons across multiple provinces.
Those executed had previously been sentenced to death on charges including murder and drug-related offences, which HRANA said were non-political and non-security related.
The executions were reported during a time of severe restrictions on access to information, with a total internet blackout limiting public scrutiny and independent monitoring of judicial proceedings and the implementation of death sentences.
“At least 37 prisoners were executed between January 5 and January 12. Additional executions were reported in the days that followed, including a wave of executions between January 13 and January 14 in several prisons across the country,” the report said.
The group said prison authorities and relevant institutions had not officially announced the executions at the time of reporting.
Human rights organizations raised concerns about the continued use of the death penalty in Iran, particularly during periods of heightened security and restricted information flows.
“The continuation of executions amid internet shutdowns has intensified concerns over a lack of judicial transparency, access to fair trials and the increased risk of violations of the right to life,” HRANA said.
US President Donald Trump said on Friday authorities in Iran stopped what he called planned executions of more than 800 protestors.
