Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) reported that at least 142 people have been executed in May, the highest monthly execution since 2015. Furthermore, at least 307 people have been executed in 2023, a 76% rise (174 people) compared to the same period in 2022.

Reiterating its warning about the escalation of executions, Iran Human Rights called on the international community to stop the Islamic Republic’s killing machine with a strong reaction and practical punitive steps.

IHRNGO Director, Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam said: “The purpose of the Islamic Republic’s intensification of arbitrary executions is to spread societal fear to prevent protests and prolong its rule. If the international community doesn’t show a stronger reaction to the current wave of executions, hundreds more will fall victims to their killing machine in the coming months.”

According to data gathered by Iran Human Rights, at least 307 people have been executed so far in 2023. Of those, 59% were executed for drug-related charges (180 people).

May Executions

At least 142 people, including a woman, have been executed in May, the highest monthly execution since 2015. The first public execution of 2023 was also carried out in May. 78 people (55%) were executed for drug-related charges. 21% (30 people) executed in May were Baluch minorities.

As well as increasing drug-related executions, the Islamic Republic has also expanded the scope of charges it uses to carry out the death penalty by executing two people for blasphemy charges and one for adultery.

Furthermore, at least four men were executed for the vague security charges of efsad-fil-arz (corruption on earth) for drug-related offences. According to IHRNGO and ECPM’s 2022 Annual Death Penalty Report in Iran, executions increased by 85% compared to 2021. The execution rate in the first five months of this year shows that the upward trend in the number of executions, which began in the second half of last year, continues with great intensity.

On 18 May, Iran Human Rights called on the international community to use all its powers to stop the Islamic Republic’s killing machine after reporting 90 executions in just 18 days.