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Record Executions
Iran executed at least 1,639 people in 2025, the highest number recorded since 1989.
“Iran executed at least 1,639 people last year, the highest number recorded there since 1989”
The figure represents a 68% increase compared to 2024.
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.
Protest Crackdown
Seven people were executed in connection with the January protests.
Hundreds of detained protesters remain at risk of death sentences and execution.
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.
International Reaction
Human rights groups urged the West to put capital punishment at the heart of any negotiations with Tehran.
“Raphaël Chenuil-Hazan said the question of abolishing the death penalty had to be at the heart of any talks”
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.