According to human rights activists, Iran carried out at least 834 death sentences in 2023, marking the highest figure since 2015 when 972 convicts were executed.
This represents a 43% increase compared to 2022.
Norway-based Iran Human Rights and France-based United Against the Death Penalty stated in a joint statement that the regime aims to utilize executions as a deterrent against opposition during the 2022-2023 period.
"The regime relies on instilling fear in people to maintain power, with the death penalty emerging as its primary tool. However, the sheer number of executions is alarming," noted Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, head of Iran Human Rights.
It's important to note that while the number of death sentences for participants in unrest is not as high, these sentences primarily involve the killing of police officers or members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps involved in quelling the uprisings.
Courts have increasingly imposed death sentences for offenses such as drug trafficking and separatist activities, with 167 of those executed being ethnic Baloch.
