Highest Monthly Executions in Over Twenty Years
In October, with 178 executions, there was approximately one execution every 4 hours
Iran Human Rights Monitor (Iran HRM) presents a thorough analysis of the troubling state of executions in Iran during October 2024. This month witnessed a staggering total of 178 executions, marking it as the highest monthly count in over two decades. This report details the nature and context of these executions, highlighting alarming trends, including the execution of women, child offenders, and political prisoners, and calls for urgent action from the international community.
Total Number of Executions
October 2024 was characterized by a drastic escalation in executions in Iran, with 178 individuals executed throughout the month. This statistic translates to approximately one execution every 4 hours, emphasizing a relentless and ruthless application of the death penalty. The Iranian judiciary’s propensity to resort to capital punishment reflects a broader strategy to instill fear within the populace and maintain control over dissent.
The primary offenses leading to these executions include drug-related crimes, which continue to dominate the judicial landscape in Iran. Many of the executed individuals were convicted of drug trafficking and possession. However, critics argue that this focus on drug-related offenses often overlooks the socio-economic issues driving addiction and trafficking.
Breakdown of Executions
Gender and Executions: Among the 178 executed, five were women. The case of Akhtar Ghorbanloo, executed for murder at just 17 years old, highlights the intersection of gender-based violence and state-sanctioned punishment. Ghorbanloo was forced into marriage with her victim, illustrating how patriarchal norms can lead to tragic outcomes for women in Iran. Her execution raises profound questions about the role of gender in the justice system, particularly concerning crimes related to domestic violence and child marriage. Other cases reveal similar issues. Zahra Feyzi, a 41-year-old woman from Tabriz, was executed for murder, reflecting the severe consequences women face in a male-dominated society. Another woman, unidentified, was executed in Qezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, further illustrating the systemic disregard for the gendered nature of violence. Additionally, two other women were executed for drug-related offenses in Kerman and Shiraz, demonstrating the judiciary’s harsh stance on such cases.
These cases collectively illustrate the intersection of systemic violence, gender discrimination, and the Iranian state’s brutal application of capital punishment.
Child Offenders: In a disturbing violation of international human rights conventions, October also saw the execution of a juvenile offender. Mehdi Barahoui, who was just 17 years old when he was charged with murder during a group altercation, was executed on October 9 in Zahedan Prison. Iran’s continued execution of child offenders contravenes its obligations under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, to which it is a signatory. The execution of Barahoui not only raises ethical questions but also highlights the failures of the Iranian judicial system in protecting vulnerable populations.
Political Prisoners: Jamshid Sharmahd, an Iranian-German dual national imprisoned in Iran, was executed on Monday, October 28, according to Mizan News Agency, a judiciary-affiliated media outlet. Sharmahd, who was charged with “corruption on earth through the design and orchestration of terrorist activities,” was sentenced to death by Tehran’s Revolutionary Court in February 2023.
Sharmahd was reportedly abducted by Iranian intelligence agents while in the United Arab Emirates and subsequently transferred to Iran. Throughout his detention, Sharmahd was denied basic rights, including access to an attorney of his choice, as well as regular contact with family members via visitation or phone calls.
Sharmahd was denied a fair trial in accordance with international law.
Regional and Demographic Context
The executions in October were unevenly distributed across Iran, reflecting significant regional disparities that disproportionately impacted minority communities. A notable number of those executed were from the Baloch and Kurdish ethnic groups, raising concerns about discrimination and targeted oppression.
Throughout October 2024, executions in Iran were carried out in several prisons, showcasing the extensive reach of the capital punishment system. Notable facilities included Kerman Prison, Qezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, Ahar Prison, Shiraz Central Prison, and Zanjan Central Prison. Other significant locations were Kashan Prison, Birjand Prison, Isfahan Prison (Dastgerd), Ahvaz Prison (Sepidar), and Sari Central Prison. The list also encompasses Gonbad Kavus Prison, Tabriz Central Prison, Hamedan Prison, Semnan Central Prison, Mashhad Central Prison, Yasuj Prison, Dezful Prison, Naghdeh Prison, Rasht Prison, Mako Prison, and Zabol Prison.
Qezel Hesar Prison in Karaj, in particular, reported a high number of executions, including those of women and minority individuals. Prisons in southeastern Iran, where many ethnic Baloch reside, also saw an elevated rate of executions, underscoring concerns about discrimination against ethnic minorities. These practices not only instill fear within affected communities but also highlight the Iranian regime’s severe approach to dissent and crime.
Media Blackout
The majority of these executions occurred under conditions of media silence, with most executions going unreported by state-controlled media. This silence not only reflects the Iranian government’s attempts to obscure the realities of its human rights abuses but also highlights the challenges faced by human rights organizations in monitoring and reporting on such issues.
The Iranian regime considers reporting on execution statistics as “security-sensitive,” leading to a culture of fear surrounding the dissemination of information. Journalists and activists who attempt to report on these issues often face harassment, imprisonment, or worse. As a result, the actual number of executions is likely significantly higher than reported, with many carried out without any public acknowledgment or due process.
Calls to Action
In light of the concerning trends documented in this report, Iran HRM calls on the international community—particularly the United Nations and the European Union—to take prompt and decisive action to address these human rights violations. An independent investigation into extrajudicial executions in Iran is essential to hold the regime accountable for its actions.
Iran HRM encourages global leaders to condemn these practices and consider sanctions or other measures that can incentivize the Iranian government to end executions. The international community’s silence in the face of such grave abuses risks enabling these practices to continue unchecked.
