The Commissioner for Human Rights expresses concern about the increase in executions in Iran

Turk said in a press release: “It is deeply disturbing that we are once again witnessing a rise in the number of people subject to the death penalty in Iran year after year. It is time for Iran to stem this rising tide of executions.”

It is noteworthy that most of the executions carried out last year were the result of drug-related crimes, and opponents and people linked to the 2022 protests were also executed. There was also an increase in the number of women executed, according to the press release.

The High Commissioner for Human Rights said: “We oppose the death penalty in all circumstances. It contravenes the fundamental right to life and raises an unacceptable risk of executing innocent people. Let us say it loud and clear, it can never be imposed for conduct protected under international human rights law.”

Volker Türk urged the Iranian authorities to halt the implementation of death sentences and impose a moratorium on their use with the aim of eventually abolishing them. Nearly 170 countries have abolished or suspended the death penalty.