​​​​​​​IHR, ECPM Organizations: Death sentences in Iran increased by 75% in 2022

Two human rights organizations stated that the number of death sentences carried out in Iran in 2022 increased by 75%, reaching at least 582 sentences, which is the largest number recorded in the Islamic Republic since 2015, after 333 sentences were carried out in 2021, the report by Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) and Paris-based Together Against the Death Penalty (ECPM)

In a joint report published today, the two organizations said that the death penalty was used: "Once again, an essential tool of intimidation and repression by the Iranian regime in order to maintain the stability of its power."

"In order to spread fear among the demonstrating population and youth, the authorities have intensified executions of prisoners sentenced for non-political reasons," IHR director Mahmood Amiry Moghaddam said.

He added, "In order to stop the killing machine used by the Iranian regime, the international community and civil society must actively show their opposition whenever someone is executed in the country."

The report confirmed, according to Al-Hurra Network, that hundreds of detainees are currently sentenced to death or are being tried on charges that carry the death penalty.

According to the report, the Baluchis, most of whom are Sunnis, are estimated at 30% of those executed, although they constitute only 2% to 6% of Iran's population. This disparity was also observed among the Kurdish and Arab components.

The report stated that the death penalty is: "a means of pressure and, on a larger scale, a tool of repression to manage social problems in the country," noting: "288 executions - constituting 49% of the total number - were justified by murder cases, the highest number since 15 years.

The report indicated that two people were executed by hanging in a public square. Three of those executed were minors, and 16 were women.

The killing of the young woman, Gina Amini, in mid-September 2022, sparked a great women's and popular uprising that spread throughout the world, and was met by the Iranian state authorities with repression, arrests, and violence, which sparked international condemnation.

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ANHA