A new interim report from the United Nations Secretary-General paints a bleak picture of human rights in Iran, documenting a surge in state-led repression from August 2024 to January 2025. The 15-page report, submitted to the Human Rights Council, outlines a systematic pattern of violations including mass executions, torture, gender-based violence, and the persecution of minorities and dissidents.
Alarming Rise in Executions
According to the report, Iran carried out at least 975 executions in 2024—the highest number since 2015. Over half were linked to drug offenses, many of which would not qualify for capital punishment under international standards. Ethnic minorities were disproportionately affected: 108 Baluchis, 84 Kurds, and 72 Afghan nationals were among the executed.
Particularly concerning is the continued use of the death penalty against women and minors. Thirty-one women were executed in 2024, many in cases involving abusive marriages and forced child unions. Despite official denials, Iran executed at least one juvenile—Mehdi Jahanpour—for a crime committed at age 16.
The report also details politically motivated executions tied to the 2022 protests. Notably, Gholamreza Rasaei was secretly executed without prior notice to his family or legal representation, based on confessions allegedly obtained under torture.
Torture, Deaths in Custody, and Inhumane Practices
The use of torture remains widespread, with shocking cases like two Kurdish brothers who had their fingers amputated for theft in October 2024. The death of Mohammad Mir-Mousavi in police custody, allegedly from beatings, exemplifies the lack of accountability. Although five officers were arrested, no concrete action followed.
Gruesome practices such as hanging, resuscitating, and re-executing prisoners raise serious human rights concerns. One such case involved an individual executed months after surviving an earlier attempt, once the victim’s family withdrew a pardon.
Crackdown on Dissent and Civil Freedoms
The regime’s suppression of freedom of expression intensified in 2024, with 125 journalists prosecuted, including 40 women. Internet restrictions continue, with VPNs essential for basic access and surveillance targeting female students and university attendees.
Though a law enforcing mandatory hijab was suspended in December 2024, the report warns of its potential return, noting it could impose severe penalties—including death—for women accused of “promoting corruption on earth.”
Women and Minorities Under Siege
Iran’s treatment of women is described as a form of gender apartheid, with femicides, dress code enforcement, and child marriages still rampant. The suicides of two teenage girls, Arezo Khavari and Aynaz Karimi, were linked to psychological stress from school dress code enforcement and lack of support services.
Ethnic and religious minorities continue to suffer targeted repression. Ten Baha’i women were sentenced to 90 years for organizing community events. Nineteen Arab cultural activists were arrested in Khuzestan, while Azeri advocates received 81 years of combined prison time for peaceful cultural activities.
Limited Reform, Global Pressure Mounts
The report notes minimal cooperation from Iran with international mechanisms. Tehran has refused access to UN fact-finding missions and declined to ratify key treaties, including those against torture and discrimination against women.
The Secretary-General issued 17 urgent recommendations, calling for an end to executions, the release of political prisoners, the protection of minorities, and full compliance with international human rights norms.
This report underscores the severity of the Iranian regime’s violations, calling for immediate and decisive international action to safeguard the rights and lives of its people.