The Islamic Republic of Iran has faced significant international criticism for its alarming rise in executions in 2023. According to the United Nations’ Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Iran has carried out over 1,000 executions this year alone. This unprecedented execution spree translates to an average of nine executions daily, with individuals primarily accused of murder and drug-related offenses.
Death Row Inmates Hunger Strike
In October, around 1,500 Iranian death row prisoners, including 17 members of the dissident organization Mojahedin-e-Khalq (MEK), initiated a hunger strike at Ghezel Hesar Prison to draw attention to their plight. This protest began on October 13 and has since spread to other prison wards, including the notorious Evin Prison.
- Key Dates:
- October 13, 2023: Hunger strike begins at Ghezel Hesar Prison.
- July 27, 2023: Two MEK members executed without the return of their remains to families.
- October 13-15, 2023: 38 executions reported.
- Increase in Executions:
- Total executions reached an unprecedented record of 2,008 during Masoud Pezeshkian’s presidency.
International Reactions
Maryam Rajavi, president-elect of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), has called for immediate action from the United Nations and other international bodies to halt the ongoing crisis. Activists for Iranian human rights are demanding U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres advocate for their cause, emphasizing the urgency for intervention.
The U.S. State Department has also condemned the Iranian regime’s actions, asserting that these executions violate basic human rights. A spokesperson highlighted the need for accountability and reinforced that Iran’s practices of torture and unfair trials must be addressed.
Call for Abolishment of Death Penalty
The striking prisoners voiced their despair, lamenting the continuous execution of fellow inmates and the trauma inflicted on their families. They urged for the abolition of the death penalty in Iran, underlining their demand for justice and humane treatment.
As international scrutiny intensifies, many are left wondering how the Iranian government will respond and what implications this will have for its standing in the global community.
