UN Human Rights Office Reports Alarming Surge in Executions in Iran

The UN Human Rights Office has raised serious concerns regarding the significant increase in executions occurring in Iran. Volker Türk, the head of the office, has urged the Iranian authorities to immediately halt the implementation of the death penalty. According to reports, at least 612 individuals were executed in the first half of 2025, marking more than a twofold increase from the 297 executions recorded during the same period the previous year. Additionally, there are currently 48 individuals awaiting execution, with 12 of them potentially facing imminent execution.

Türk noted that members of minority groups in Iran are disproportionately affected by capital punishment. Over 40% of those executed this year were convicted on drug-related charges. Others were sentenced to death under vague allegations such as "enmity against God" or "corruption," often as a means to silence dissenters. The procedures surrounding these death sentences frequently occur behind closed doors and violate established legal standards, according to the office's findings.

Furthermore, Türk expressed alarm over the Iranian Guardian Council's efforts to strengthen the anti-espionage law, which aims to broaden the definition of crimes related to "collaboration with hostile states." This proposed amendment would impose the death penalty for certain types of online communication and engagement with foreign media, as well as for ideological alignment with foreign powers.

Such measures are incompatible with the fundamental right to life and human dignity, Türk emphasized. He called upon Iran to join the global movement advocating for the abolition of the death penalty, beginning with an immediate moratorium on all executions.