Iran Executes 1,639 People In 2025, Highest Since 1989 Amid Protests

Iran executed at least 1,639 people in 2025, the highest number recorded since 1989.

“- Published Iran executed at least 1,639 people last year, the highest number recorded there since 1989, two non-governmental organisations say”

BBC

The figure represents a 68% increase compared to 2024.

BBC

The NGOs warned that the figure was an absolute minimum as fewer than 7% of executions are officially announced.

Executions averaged more than four per day over the year.

At least 48 women were among those executed, the highest number recorded in more than 20 years.

Nearly half of those executed were convicted of drug-related offences.

Seven people were executed in connection with the January protests.

Hundreds of detained protesters remain at risk of death sentences and execution.

DW

IHR director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam said the surge appears aimed at instilling fear and deterring dissent.

The death penalty is used as a political tool of oppression and repression.

The Kurdish minority and the Baluch are particularly targeted.

Public hangings more than tripled to 11 in 2025.

Human rights groups urged the West to put capital punishment at the heart of any negotiations with Tehran.

“Iran executed 'at least 1,639 people' in 2025, highest number since 1989 Iran executed at least 1,639 people last year, an average of more than four executions per day, Norway-based Iran Human Rights and Paris-based Together Against the Death Penalty said in their joint annual report, warning that the regime risked killing even more people this year after protests in January and amid the war triggered by the US and Israel”

France 24

Raphaël Chenuil-Hazan said the question of abolishing the death penalty had to be at the heart of any talks.

IHR director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam noted there was no mention of the Iranian people's rights.

The report called on the international community to intervene immediately.