Sharp rise in executions in Iran sparks international concern

Friday 29 August 2025 - 11:45

By: Sahili Aya

Sharp rise in executions in Iran sparks international concern

Iran has carried out at least 841 executions since the beginning of 2025, marking a sharp increase compared to previous years, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights reported on Friday.

In July alone, 100 people were executed, more than double the number recorded in the same month last year, according to the UN office. Among the victims were women, Afghan nationals, and members of the Baluchi, Kurdish, and Arab minorities.

“The high number of executions reflects a systematic pattern of using the death penalty as a tool of state intimidation and repression of dissent,” said Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office, during a press briefing in Geneva. She highlighted the “disproportionate” targeting of ethnic minorities and migrants in these death sentences.

The UN also indicated that 11 detainees face imminent execution: six accused of “armed insurrection” due to alleged membership in the People’s Mojahedin Organization (MEK), and five others linked to the 2022 protests.

UN human rights chief Volker Türk once again urged Iran to establish a moratorium on the death penalty, as a first step toward its abolition.