In a striking revelation, Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, the director of Iran Human Rights (IHR), disclosed in an interview with Zamaneh that Iran has witnessed over 500 more executions compared to two years ago. This surge in capital punishment is unparalleled in the last two decades globally, highlighting a grim escalation under the world’s watchful yet silent gaze. The annual report on executions in Iran, jointly published by IHR and the French organization ECPM (Together Against the Death Penalty) on March 5th, underscores a 43% increase in executions from the previous year, with a mere 15% being officially acknowledged by Iranian sources.
The significant rise in executions is not just a reflection of the Islamic Republic’s reliance on the death penalty as a means of societal control and intimidation but also indicates an expansion in the range of charges leading to such dire outcomes. Notably, the past year saw individuals executed for charges like blasphemy and apostasy, which had not led to executions in the preceding decade. This shift suggests a strategic move by the government to send a chilling message to protestors, particularly the youth and online activists, aiming to quell dissent and curb the expression of dissenting views, especially in the digital realm. Amiry-Moghaddam tells Zamaneh:
These executions were a warning from the government for activities on social media, and the government wants to use all its tools to suppress the people. Remember that the fear people might have had seven or eight years ago no longer exists, and they express their opinions much more freely in the streets and especially online. Executions for insulting the sanctities are an attempt to doubly suppress the youth and those who express their opinions.
Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, director of Iran Human Rights (IHR)
The Shadow Over Drug-Related Executions
The 2023 report also highlights a disturbing trend in drug-related executions, accounting for 56% of the total executions, marking a significant increase from previous years. This rise could superficially be attributed to the government’s intensified crackdown on drug trafficking. However, human rights activists view it through a different lens, suggesting a more sinister use of drug-related charges to suppress political dissent. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s continued collaboration with Iran, despite the alarming spike in executions, has drawn criticism, with calls for the international body to condition its cooperation on Iran’s cessation of drug-related executions.
Political Undertones and International Silence
The report draws a direct correlation between political unrest and the uptick in executions, particularly those related to drug offenses. It suggests that the Islamic Republic resorts to increasing executions in times of fear of public dissent, using it as a tool to instill fear and maintain control. The global community’s diverted attention, especially during events like the Gaza conflict, has inadvertently allowed Iran to exploit these moments, increasing executions with lower political costs. This situation underscores the need for a consistent and unified international stance against the use of the death penalty, particularly in politically charged cases.
Ethnic Disparities and the Cost of Silence
The disproportionate impact of executions on ethnic minorities, such as Kurds, Baluchis, and Arabs, who have historically faced higher rates of capital punishment for political and security-related charges, is another concerning aspect highlighted in the report. The silence and inaction of the international community, particularly in the latter half of 2023, have not only emboldened the Iranian regime but have also signaled a tacit acceptance of its repressive tactics. The report calls for a global reevaluation of priorities, urging the international community to place human rights, especially the abolition of the death penalty, at the forefront of any dialogue with Iran.
One of the reasons for the high volume of executions among ethnic groups is that the political cost of these executions is lower. If the Islamic Republic wants to execute someone for similar charges in central cities, it faces much stronger reactions from society. Whereas, when Kurds are executed for charges such as terrorist activities, espionage, waging war against God, or corruption on earth, unfortunately, these executions do not provoke the reaction they should, neither internationally nor even among the people.
Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, director of Iran Human Rights (IHR)
The surge in executions in Iran, particularly under the guise of drug-related offenses and amidst a global backdrop of silence and shifting priorities, presents a critical human rights crisis.
This is a summary of original Radio Zamaneh content crafted with the help of AI, edited by a Radio Zamaneh editor. To read the original article, click here.
