Amnesty International mentioned sturdy worldwide motion is urgently wanted to halt a horrific surge in executions that has turned Iranian prisons into genocide scenes in 2023. In a brand new analysis report launched right now, the group discovered that a minimum of 481 executions, greater than half of the 853 whole recorded executions in 2023, have been carried out for drug-related crimes. Emphasized.
The loss of life penalty is abhorrent beneath any circumstances, however introducing it on a big scale for drug-related crimes after grossly unfair trials in revolutionary courts is a grotesque abuse of energy.
Diana Eltahawy, Amnesty International
The variety of executions in 2023 is the best since 2015, a 48% improve from 2022, and a 172% improve from 2021. Iran’s killing spree continues till 2024, with a minimum of 95 executions recorded as of March twentieth. The variety of executions recorded by Amnesty International is a minimal, and the group believes the precise quantity is way greater.
“While the loss of life penalty is abhorrent beneath any circumstances, introducing it on a big scale for drug-related crimes after a grossly unfair trial in a revolutionary court docket is a grotesque abuse of energy. Deadly anti-drug insurance policies have “triggered a cycle of poverty and systemic injustice, additional entrenching discrimination towards marginalized communities, particularly Iran’s oppressed Baluchi minority” within the Middle East and North. Deputy Director Diana Eltahawy mentioned. Amnesty International Africa.
Last 12 months, protesters have been additionally arrested on costs akin to “insulting the Prophet” and “apostasy,” in addition to extra imprecise costs akin to “hostility to the Prophet,” acts protected by worldwide human rights regulation. , a sequence of executions focusing on social media customers and different precise or perceived dissidents. “God” (Moharebeh) and/or “Earthly Corruption” (Efsade fer Arz).
The sharp improve within the variety of executions in 2023 is principally because of the dire and lethal decline in Iran’s anti-drug coverage after Ebrahim Raisi turned president in 2021 and Gholamhossein Ejei was appointed legal professional common. Change is the trigger.
This official place has taken a daunting upward trajectory since 2021, with drug-related executions reaching 481 in 2023, accounting for 56% of the whole variety of executions. This is an 89% improve in comparison with 2022, when 255 individuals have been executed for drug-related crimes, and a 264% improve in comparison with 2021, when 132 individuals have been executed for drug-related crimes.
Those executed for drug-related crimes have been usually brutally killed in secret, with out prior notification to their households or legal professionals.
Without pressing motion by the worldwide neighborhood, drug-related executions will proceed to extend because the judiciary, legislature, and govt department proceed their efforts to enact new deadly drug legal guidelines. If this regulation is enacted, the scope of drug offenses shall be expanded. Death penalty.
Diana Eltahawy, Amnesty International
The improve in executions has led to loss of life row inmates happening starvation strikes and publicly interesting for intervention to halt executions.
In May 2023, days earlier than their execution following a grossly unfair trial, protesters Majid Kazemi, Saleh Mirhashemi and Saeed Yaghoubi chanted, “Please do not allow them to kill us.” A written be aware asking for assist was smuggled out of jail.
On January 28, 2024, one other group of loss of life row inmates wrote an open letter asserting a starvation strike and asking for assist to save lots of lives. “Maybe together with your assist, we are able to cease these executions. Please be our voice in no matter means you possibly can…”
Execution of individuals arrested as youngsters
Last 12 months additionally noticed a stunning enlargement in executions for baby offenders, with one 17-year-old boy and 4 younger individuals convicted of crimes dedicated after they have been beneath 18 being executed.
background
The loss of life penalty is the final word merciless, inhuman and degrading punishment. Amnesty International opposes the loss of life penalty in all circumstances with out exception, whatever the nature or circumstances of the crime. guilt, innocence, or different traits of an individual. or the strategies utilized by the state to hold out executions.