Iran has executed over 300 people this year, with the rate in May during the current surge in hangings the highest monthly figure in the country since 2015, a rights group said on Thursday, Ednews reports citing Al Arabiya.
Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) said at least 307 people have been executed in 2023, a rise of over 75 percent compared to the same period last year.
At least 142 people were executed in May, the highest monthly figure since 2015, meaning an average of over four people were hanged every day last month in the Islamic Republic, it added.
“The purpose of the Islamic Republic’s intensification of arbitrary
executions is to spread societal fear to prevent protests and prolong its rule,” said IHR director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam
“If the international community doesn’t show a stronger reaction to the current wave of executions, hundreds more will fall victim to their killing machine in the coming months.”
It said 59 percent of those hanged this year -- 180 people -- were executed for drug-related charges.
Over 20 percent of those executed in May -- 30 people -- were from the largely Sunni Baluch minority concentrated in the southeast of the country, it added.
Iran earlier in May hanged three more men in cases related to the protests, sparking international condemnation, and Amnesty International has warned at least seven more risk being put to death.
The Islamic republic executes more people each year than any nation other than China, according to Amnesty.
