Rights group says Iran hanged at least 313 prisoners during protests

Hundreds of alleged human rights violations were recorded across Iran in a monthly report that said at least 313 prisoners were executed by hanging during a period of nationwide protests, US-based rights group HRANA reported on Wednesday.

The group said the executions took place during the Iranian month of Dey, roughly Dec. 22 to Jan. 20, in prisons across the country on various charges.

It said the period also saw a sharp rise in mass arrests, heavy sentences and what it described as the use of excessive force by security services.

HRANA said it recorded abuses ranging from curbs on free expression to labor violations, violence against women and children, and pressure on detainees.

It added that at least 52 people were executed during a 10-day period in January alone, as protests spread and internet access was widely restricted.