Iran Sees Disturbing Surge in Executions Amid Growing Unrest

Recent reports reveal that Iran is experiencing an alarming increase in state-sanctioned executions, with the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) estimating a rate of killings occurring every two hours. The year 2023 saw a total of at least 1,000 executions, including 34 women and seven minors, and NCRI claims that the situation has worsened in 2024, indicating a 16% rise in the number of executions compared to the previous year. Tehran reportedly began the new year with a significant surge of violence, as 12 individuals were executed on New Year's Day alone.

A representative from NCRI expressed that the dramatic spike in executions highlights the regime's growing paranoia. Mr. Naziri, whose family member was executed, remarked that these acts represent a desperate strategy by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to quell dissent and maintain authority amid escalating calls for regime change. NCRI's findings suggest that Iran was responsible for more than three-quarters of global executions last year, executing individuals every 150 minutes. However, these figures remain unverified by independent sources.

From July 2023 onwards, there were 695 documented executions, with drug-related offenses accounting for a significant portion, as well as a disproportionate number of executions among Iran's marginalized Baluchi population, totaling 119. Amnesty International has raised concerns over numerous human rights violations committed against the Baluchi minority, including arbitrary arrests and severe mistreatment.

During the last quarter of 2024, the regime intensified its violent crackdown amidst ongoing social and economic turmoil. In addition to the 1,000 executions, NCRI reported that detainees faced extreme punitive measures, such as a prisoner sentenced to the gruesome punishment of having their eyes gouged out for allegedly injuring a state security officer in an uprising, as well as other inmates experiencing mutilation. Maryam Rajavi, the President-elect of NCRI, characterized the wave of executions as a cruel tactic by Khamenei to deter an enraged populace seeking the regime's complete downfall, asserting that such brutality has only strengthened the resolve among Iran's youth to challenge the oppressive religious dictatorship.