Nearly 1,000 of the 1,212 people executed for drug-related offenses in 2025 were killed by the Islamic regime, as detailed in Harm Reduction International’s 15th report. This represents a staggering 97% increase from the previous year and marks the highest number of executions recorded since data collection began in 2007. The report indicates that, on average, about three individuals were executed each day, with over 1,000 more currently on death row. Among those executed, at least 222 children were left orphaned, and 23 were women, some of whom were convicted based on circumstantial evidence rather than direct possession of drugs. The majority of victims were impoverished individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds, often facing trials without proper legal representation.
Why It Matters
The increasing number of executions in Iran highlights significant issues within its judicial system, particularly concerning human rights violations and the treatment of marginalized communities. The executions disproportionately affect low-income individuals and ethnic minorities, such as the Baluchi, who account for a notable percentage of those executed despite comprising only a small fraction of the population. The use of coercion and lack of due process raise serious concerns about the legality and fairness of the regime’s actions. Furthermore, the UN’s ongoing partnership with Iran’s law enforcement has drawn scrutiny, as there are fears that such collaborations may inadvertently support human rights abuses.
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