The Center for Statistics and Documentation of Iran Human Rights Monitor (Iran HRM) has released statistics detailing the human rights situation in Iran for January 2024. It is essential to note that the reported figures only represent documented cases, and the actual numbers are likely higher, given the secretive nature of many executions in Iran.
January 2024 witnessed a disturbing surge in executions, with the Iranian judiciary carrying out the death sentences of 88 individuals. This represents a concerning 39% increase compared to January 2023, where 63 people were executed, and a staggering 91% rise compared to January 2022, which recorded 46 executions. The growing trend signals a troubling escalation in the number of executions, reflecting the Iranian judiciary’s uncompromising approach.
Key Aspects of Executions in January 2024:
- Execution of Political Prisoners:
- On January 2, 2024, Davood Abdollahi, a Sunni prisoner, was executed in Karaj’s Qezel Hesar Prison after enduring over thirteen years of imprisonment. His execution occurred without prior notification to his family.
- On January 23, 2024, Mohammad Ghobadlou, a 23-year-old protester, became the ninth individual executed in connection to the nationwide protest of 2022. His defense lawyer contested the execution order, asserting its lack of legal authorization.
- Farhad Salimi, a Sunni political prisoner, was executed on the same day, January 23, 2024, in Qezel Hesar prison in Karaj, charged with “waging war on God” and “corruption on Earth.”
- On January 29, 2024, four Kurdish political prisoners—Pejman Fatehi, Vafa Azarbar, Mohsen Mazloum, and Hajir Faramarzi—were executed in Qezel Hesar Prison. They faced an unfair legal process and were accused of collaborating with Israel.
- Execution of Women:
- On the last day of January 2024, Zahra Nazaryan, a 27-year-old woman, was executed in Sabzevar Prison for the murder of her sister’s husband. She had endured four years of imprisonment. Iran ranked as the largest executioner of women globally in 2023, with at least 25 women executed.
- Secret vs. Public Executions:
- In January 2024, 73 prisoners faced secret executions without media coverage, while only 15 executions were publicly announced. This means that 82% of executions in Iran occurred secretly, highlighting the significantly higher numbers that remain undisclosed.
The Iran HRM calls on international human rights authorities, including the United Nations and the European Union, to condemn these state-sanctioned executions. Urgent and practical action is requested to halt the ongoing bloodshed in Iran. Additionally, the cancellation of Ms. Nada Al-Nashif’s visit, the Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, to Iran is urged to prevent the Iranian regime from exploiting the visit to justify its repressive actions and crimes against humanity.