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Record executions in Iran as death toll hits 1,639 in 2025
Iran carried out at least 1,639 executions last year, the highest annual total since 1989, according to a joint report by two human rights organizations. The figure marks a 68% increase from 2024, when 975 people were put to death.
Drug offences and murder dominate convictions
The Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) and Paris-based Together Against the Death Penalty (ECPM) state that most of those executed were convicted of drug-related crimes or murder. Specifically, 795 were linked to drug offences-a 58% rise from the previous year-while 747 were convicted of murder, reflecting a 79% increase.
An additional 37 individuals were executed for rape, and at least 48 women were put to death, the highest number in over two decades and a 55% increase from 2024.
Security-related executions and political crackdown
At least 57 people were executed for security-related charges, including two protesters. Since late February, seven individuals have been put to death in connection with anti-government demonstrations, which saw thousands killed and tens of thousands detained during a severe security crackdown.
Six others were executed for alleged membership in the exiled opposition group Mujahideen-e Khalq (MEK), while one person was put to death for espionage on behalf of Israel.
Unfair trials and marginalized groups targeted
The report highlights that over half of the executions followed sentences handed down by Revolutionary Courts, which the NGOs describe as conducting "grossly unfair trials" lacking due process. Ethnic minorities and other marginalized communities were disproportionately represented among those executed.
Calls for international pressure amid rising risks
IHR and ECPM warn that executions could escalate further this year, particularly in response to January's protests and the ongoing conflict with the U.S. and Israel. They urge that a moratorium on the death penalty and the release of political prisoners be prioritized in any negotiations.
"The question of abolishing the death penalty must be at the heart of any talks between the U.S. and Iran on ending their war," said Raphaël Chenuil-Hazan, executive director of ECPM, as quoted by AFP.
Raphaël Chenuil-Hazan, ECPM
"There was no mention of the Iranian people's rights in the weekend negotiations. A death penalty moratorium and the release of all political prisoners should be demand number one," stated Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, IHR director.
Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, IHR
Ongoing threats to protesters and dissidents
The NGOs report that at least 16 individuals sentenced to death for their involvement in the 2022 "Woman, Life, Freedom" protests remain at risk of execution. An additional 27 have been sentenced to death for their roles in this year's demonstrations, while hundreds more face charges that carry the death penalty.
