Le Monde – Thursday, July 31, 2025
In a chilling escalation of state repression, the Iranian government has dramatically increased its use of capital punishment, executing at least 612 individuals in the first half of 2025 alone. This staggering figure, released by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), marks a twofold rise compared to the same period in 2024 and has sparked widespread international concern.
Iran’s use of the death penalty has long drawn condemnation from human rights organizations. However, the scale and speed of the recent executions signal a heightened effort by the regime to crush dissent and tighten control, particularly in the wake of widespread protests and growing domestic unrest. According to OHCHR officials, the Iranian authorities appear to be using executions as a “tool of intimidation” to suppress resistance and silence critical voices.
In several documented cases, confessions were reportedly obtained under duress or torture. Furthermore, an increasing number of those executed have been members of ethnic and religious minority groups, such as Kurds, Baluchis, and Sunnis, heightening fears of systematic discrimination.
“Executing people at such an alarming rate, especially after trials that fail to meet international standards, is deeply troubling,” said a spokesperson for the OHCHR. “This surge is not just a legal issue—it reflects a broader pattern of repression and fear being imposed across Iranian society.”
The resurgence of executions coincides with the government’s intensified crackdown on civil society, independent media, and women’s rights activists. The 2022 protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini while in police custody marked a turning point in public opposition to the regime. Though the government managed to suppress the mass demonstrations through violent force, the spirit of resistance has not disappeared. Analysts suggest that the recent wave of executions is part of an effort to quash any potential resurgence of that movement.
The Iranian leadership, however, maintains that its judiciary operates independently and upholds national laws. State media often portrays the executed individuals as criminals or threats to public order, framing the executions as necessary for maintaining social stability.
Yet, international pressure is mounting. Human rights groups are calling for immediate international action, including sanctions targeting Iranian judicial and security officials involved in human rights abuses. The European Union and several Western countries have expressed deep concern, urging Iran to impose a moratorium on the death penalty.
Despite the outcry, the Iranian authorities have shown little sign of retreating from their current path. On the contrary, observers warn that the second half of 2025 may see even higher execution numbers if current trends continue unchecked.
In a country already grappling with economic hardship, political isolation, and public discontent, the surge in executions adds another dark chapter to an increasingly oppressive regime. The international community now faces the urgent challenge of responding to Iran’s growing human rights crisis.