56 people have been executed in Iran, and more than 100 others may be executed
Since March 19, at least 56 people have been executed in Iran on charges related to national security. Among them, 27 were convicted in cases linked to anti-government protests earlier this year. The UN has stated that the situation is a cause for serious concern, and that more than 100 people may be at risk of execution.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stated that the number of executions and death sentences in Iran has risen significantly since March. “I am concerned about the rise in the number of executions and death sentences handed down in Iran since March, as well as the fact that the death penalty continues to be used to instill fear among the population and suppress dissent,” Türk said.
According to the UN, at least 56 people have already been executed on charges related to national security. Twenty-seven of them received death sentences in cases related to anti-government protests earlier this year. At the same time, more than 100 people currently face the death penalty on similar charges.
Executions Are Also Carried Out in Drug-Related Cases
The UN has also drawn attention to another issue. According to Volker Türk, Iran continues to execute people for drug-related crimes. He estimates that this is happening at an “alarming rate.”
Human rights activists claim that following the anti-government protests in January, the Iranian authorities have intensified their crackdown on their opponents. The situation has also escalated amid the war that broke out following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February.
UN Calls for a Halt to Executions
Volker Türk called on the Iranian authorities to immediately halt the execution of death sentences. He also urged Tehran to move toward the complete abolition of the death penalty and to ensure that people on trial in such cases receive a fair trial and due process. The UN emphasizes the need to respect fundamental human rights regardless of the circumstances and nature of the charges, according to Reuters.
As a reminder, global oil prices resumed their rise on Tuesday, August 4, following a sharp drop the previous day.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the Strait of Hormuz could be fully open to international shipping as early as August 4. After that, he said, Washington and Tehran will move on to a new phase of negotiations focused on Iran’s nuclear program.
U.S. President Donald Trump also called on American oil companies to immediately lower gasoline prices for consumers. Separately, he criticized Chevron CEO Mike Wirth.
