Iran executed at least 975 people last year, marking the highest number recorded by a rights group since 2008.
The report, released by Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) and French organization Together Against the Death Penalty (ECPM), states that executions increased by 17% compared to 2023.
The report claimed that Iran used the death penalty as a means of control, especially following protests that erupted in 2022.
In the last three months of 2024, an average of five people were executed daily, coinciding with rising tensions between Iran and Israel.
Among those executed, four were hanged in public, and 31 were women—the highest number in nearly two decades.
Two individuals were reportedly executed for their involvement in the 2022 protests, with activists alleging unfair trials and forced confessions.
Iran’s judicial system, based on Islamic law, enforces the death penalty for crimes like murder, rape, and drug offenses.
However, charges such as “corruption on earth” and “rebellion” have been used against dissidents.
Executions were mainly carried out by hanging, often in prison yards, but sometimes in public.
Rights groups believe the actual number of executions may be higher, as 39 additional cases could not be independently verified.
In early 2025, at least 121 more executions have already been recorded.