As the world observed the World Day Against the Death Penalty on October 10, 2024, Iran’s execution rate surged to alarming levels, raising serious concerns about human rights in the country. Despite international calls for abolition and the new president’s claims of reform, Iran continues to be one of the world’s leading executioners.
A Week of Contradictions
In a stark contrast to the global movement against capital punishment, Iran carried out at least 22 executions in the week leading up to and including the World Day Against the Death Penalty. This surge in executions comes at a time when the newly elected president, Masoud Pezeshkian, claims to represent a reformist agenda.
Based on reports, from October 10, 2023, to October 9, 2024, at least 887 executions were carried out in various Iranian prisons. This staggering number underscores the disconnect between Iran’s actions and the growing global consensus against the death penalty.
Recent Executions
The days of October 8, 9 and 10, 2024 saw 20 executions across Iran:
– On October 10, two prisoners, including Borhan Ansari, were executed in Urmia prison. Ansari had been convicted of murder three years prior.
– On October 9, the number of executions reached fifteen, including a juvenile offender. Six of these executions took place in Qezel Hesar prison. Among the executed were Ahmad Narooi (33), Mohammad Eshaqzahi (31), Safaei, and Mehdi Brahui (21). Brahui was executed for a crime allegedly committed when he was 17 years old. Two Afghan nationals were also executed on charges of rape.
– On October 8, three prisoners – Asghar Ghorbani, Yasin Amiri, and Soheil Habibollahi – were executed in Shiraz Central Prison on drug-related charges. Amiri, from Susangerd, was the head of a family of four. On the same day, Younes Pirouzi (48) was executed in Ardabil prison for a murder conviction from three years ago.
International Day Against the Death Penalty
The World Day Against the Death Penalty, observed annually on October 10 since 2003, aims to raise awareness about the conditions of death row inmates and advocate for the abolition of capital punishment. Supported by numerous NGOs, governments, and international organizations such as Amnesty International, the European Union, and the United Nations, this day stands in stark contrast to Iran’s actions. The Council of Europe also declared October 10 as the European Day Against the Death Penalty in 2007.
Reformist Claims vs. Reality
President Masoud Pezeshkian’s claim of being a reformist is severely undermined by the continued high rate of executions. The discrepancy between the government’s rhetoric and its actions raises questions about the sincerity of reform efforts and the depth of change possible within the current Iranian political system.
Conclusion
As the international community continues to move away from the death penalty, Iran’s actions during this symbolic week highlight the ongoing human rights challenges in the country. The surge in executions, particularly in the face of global opposition, underscores the urgent need for genuine reform and adherence to international human rights standards. The execution of a juvenile offender and the high number of drug-related executions further emphasize the divergence between Iran’s practices and international norms. The world watches as Iran’s actions continue to contradict its leaders’ claims of progress and reform.
