Iran executed 853 people in 2023, the highest number since 2015, according to a new report. report At Amnesty International.
The surge in executions comes as Iran continues what Amnesty International calls its “war on drugs.” In 2023, more than half of the total number of executions (481) were for drug-related crimes.
The mass introduction of the death penalty came after the election of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in 2021, and Gholamhossein Ejei was also appointed as attorney general. Amnesty International points to “catastrophic changes” in anti-drug policy as a key factor in the surge in death sentences.
The total number of executions in 2023 increased by 48 percent compared to 2022 and by 172 percent compared to 2021.
The jump was most pronounced in drug-related crimes, which accounted for 56% of all executions in 2023. Drug-related executions in 2023 increased by 89% compared to 2022 and 264% compared to 2021.
“While the death penalty is abhorrent in all circumstances, introducing it on a large scale for drug-related crimes after grossly unfair trials in revolutionary courts is a grotesque abuse of power,” Amnesty International said. said Diana Eltahawy, Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North. Africa.
“The Islamic Republic’s deadly anti-drug policies contribute to a cycle of poverty and systemic injustice, further entrenching discrimination against marginalized communities, especially Iran’s oppressed Baluchi minority.” Mr. Eltahawy continued.
The report notes that the Baluchi minority makes up just 5 percent of Iran’s population but accounts for 29 percent of drug-related executions, and Amnesty International says this is “the authorities’ drug-related threat to the most marginalized and poorest people.” “discriminatory effects of countermeasure strategies.” community. ”
The report also stated that the introduction of the death penalty was a result of government efforts to suppress protests. In particular, Amnesty International points to the September-December 2022 “Freedom for Women’s Life” uprising, whose slogan represented women’s efforts for equal rights in Iran. But the threat spooked the Iranian government, which took steps to scare the people into silence.
In its report, Amnesty International called on the international community to pay greater attention to this mass implementation of the death penalty.
“Without urgent action from the international community, drug-related executions will continue to increase as the judiciary, legislature, and executive branch continue their efforts to enact new lethal drug laws. If passed, the bill would expand the scope of drug charges to include the death penalty,” the report said.
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