The situation in Iran has raised serious concerns among human rights advocates, with reports of 29 executions in just two days. According to Liz Throssell, the spokesperson for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, this high number of executions in such a short period is alarming. The information comes from the Iran Human Rights Organization (IHR), based in Norway, which reported that 29 men, including two Afghans and a member of the Baluch ethnic minority, were executed in Karaj prison for crimes such as murder, rape, and drug offenses.
While the UN was unable to verify the exact number of executions, it is reported that at least 345 people, including 15 women, have been executed in Iran this year. Since the election of President Ebrahim Raisi in July, IHR claims that at least 87 people have been executed in local prisons. Throssell emphasized that the most concerning aspect is that the majority of those executed were convicted of drug-related crimes. She stated that imposing the death penalty for crimes that do not involve intentional killing is incompatible with international human rights norms and standards. Additionally, she highlighted the disproportionate number of executions of minority group members.
The use of the death penalty for non-violent offenses goes against the principles of human rights and raises questions about Iran’s commitment to upholding international standards. The fact that a significant number of those executed belong to minority groups further underscores the need for greater protection of human rights in the country. The international community must continue to monitor the situation in Iran and hold the government accountable for its actions.
The recent spike in executions in Iran is a stark reminder of the ongoing human rights violations in the country. It is crucial for the international community to speak out against these injustices and advocate for the protection of human rights for all individuals, regardless of their background or circumstances. The UN and other human rights organizations play a vital role in shedding light on these issues and working towards a more just and equitable world for all.