Over 400 people executed in Iran since the beginning of the year

(Patria) - At least 93 people were executed in August in Iran, bringing the total for this year to over 400, UN human rights experts said yesterday, reports RSE.

The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) expressed concern over the overall monthly increase from 45 reported in July and called on Iran to immediately halt the execution of people facing the death penalty.

Nearly half (41) of the executions were carried out for drug-related offenses.

"The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran is a party, limits the application of the death penalty to 'the most serious crimes,' understood as intentional killing. Executions for drug-related offenses violate international standards," the UN experts said.

Iran has seen a significant increase in drug-related executions since 2021, with over 400 drug-related executions in 2023 alone.

This increase has occurred despite amendments to the Drug Control Law that were intended to limit the application of the death penalty for drug-related offenses.