Amnesty International-Urgent Action: At least 10 persons executed; according to amnesty international another 10 persons are at risk of being executed [ID 8563]

"Laut einem Bericht der Zeitung "Norouz" vom 16. Mai 2002 sollen in den kommenden Wochen bis zu 20 "schuldige Straftäter und Schurken" hingerichtet werden. Seitdem sind nach vorliegenden Meldungen bereits mindestens zehn Personen exekutiert worden, und amnesty international befürchtet, dass eine weitere Hinrichtungswelle droht.

Wie es heißt, wurden am Tag der Veröffentlichung des Presseartikels vier Männer im Gefängnis Quasr in Teheran gehenkt. Sie waren wegen Mordes zum Tode verurteilt worden, und der Oberste Gerichtshof des Landes hatte ihre Rechtsmittel zurückgewiesen. Drei Tage darauf veröffentlichte die Zeitung "Seda-ye 'Edalat" einen Artikel, in dem auf die unmittelbar bevorstehende Hinrichtung eines jungen Mannes durch den Strang hingewiesen wurde. Am 20. Mai 2002 wurden Berichten zufolge fünf "Drogenschmuggler", deren Namen nicht angegeben worden waren, in der im Nordosten des Landes gelegenen Stadt Mashhad gehenkt.

Die Zeitung "Norouz" berichtete am 16. Mai 2002 ferner, dass Ahmad Dolatyari, ein "bekannter Dieb und Mörder", die Familie seines mutmaßlichen Opfers um Vergebung gebeten habe. Nach vorliegenden Informationen wurde er dann am 20. Mai 2002 hingerichtet.

Ali Reza soll am 21. Mai 2002 wegen der Tötung eines Mannes in Notwehr zu 74 Peitschenhieben verurteilt worden sein. Berichten zufolge wurde ihm eine Frist von 20 Tagen zur Einlegung von Rechtsmitteln eingeräumt.

Der 17-jährige Ramin wurde am 17. Mai 2002 wegen Heroinbesitzes zu 20 Peitschenhieben verurteilt. Aufgrund seiner Schilddrüsenerkrankung wurde die Strafe später auf 15 Hiebe reduziert und die Vollstreckung des Urteils auf drei Jahre ausgesetzt."

Tageszeitung: Man sentenced for murder publicly executed in Ahwas [ID 8569]

"In der Stadt Ahwas wurde der iranischen Nachrichtenagentur Irna zufolge gestern ein wegen Mordes verurteilter Iraner öffentlich hingerichtet. Eine weitere Hinrichtung in der Stadt Behbahan wurde abgesagt."

03.09.2008 - Source: Iran Focus

Arak: Authorities have hanged a man; he had been convicted of murder ("Man hanged in central Iran") [ID 25140]

Document(s): Open document

01.09.2008 - Source: Iran Focus

Noshahr: Authorities have hanged a man, state media reported; he had been convicted of drug trafficking ("Man hanged in northern Iran") [ID 25138]

Document(s): Open document

28.08.2008 - Source: Iran Focus

Evin Prison: Authorities hanged 5 people, including a woman; all were accused of murder; executions in Iran have sharply risen with at least 63 people hanged in August ("Iran hangs four men, one woman") [ID 25136]

Document(s): Open document

27.08.2008 - Source: BBC News

Human rights organisations condemn the execution of a second juvenile offender in Iran within a week; he was convicted of murder after killing another young man ("Iran hangs second teenage killer") [ID 25134]

Document(s): Open document

26.08.2008 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Executions of juvenile offenders are rising; 130 prisoners are facing death for crimes committed while children; international law prohibits executions of persons who where under 18 years old at the time of the offence ("Executions of Juvenile Offenders Rising") [ID 25129]

Document(s): Open document

26.08.2008 - Source: Amnesty International

Shiraz: Behnam Zare hanged on 26 August 2008 in Adelabad prison; neither his parents nor his lawyer were notified prior to his execution being implemented ("Further Information on Urgent Action 230/07 (MDE 13/109/2007, 31 August 2007) and follow-up (MDE 13/032/2008, 05 February 2008 and MDE 13/044/2008, 06 March 2008) [MDE 13/126/2008]") [ID 25133]

Document(s): Open document

21.08.2008 - Source: Iran Focus

Iran has executed a 20-year-old man who was sentenced to death for a murder he committed when he was 15; according to AI, 5 juvenile offenders were executed this year and 132 are on the death row ("Iranian execution revives debate over minors"), Author: New York Times [ID 25124]

Document(s): Open document

19.08.2008 - Source: Amnesty International

Amnesty International condemns the execution of Reza Hejazi, for a crime he committed when he was below 18 years old ("Iran: Amnesty International condemns the execution of juvenile offender Reza Hejazi [MDE 13/122/2008]") [ID 25122]

Document(s): Open document

19.08.2008 - Source: Amnesty International

Reza Hejazi was hanged in Esfahan prison; his lawyer was not informed that his execution was to be carried out ("Further Information on Urgent Action 71/08 (MDE 13/049/2008, 13 March 2008) [MDE 13/120/2008]") [ID 25123]

Document(s): Open document

15.08.2008 - Source: Amnesty International

Death sentence for juvenile offender Amir Amrollahi approved; he was sentenced to death for a murder he reportedly committed at the age of 16; AI concerned that his mental state at the time of the trial was not properly considered ("Further Information on Urgent Action 15/08 (MDE 13/009/2008, 18 January 2008) [MDE 13/114/2008]") [ID 25120]

Document(s): Open document

06.08.2008 - Source: Iran Focus

South-Eastern Iran: 2 men executed ("2 accused as rebels are executed"), Author: The New York Times [ID 25110]

Document(s): Open document

06.08.2008 - Source: World Organisation Against Torture

Activist and journalist Yaghoub Mehrnehad executed ("Execution of Mr. Yaghoub Mehrnehad") [ID 25114]

Document(s): Open document

05.08.2008 - Source: Iran Focus

Zahedan: Yaqoub Mehrnehad, a journalist accused of being a member of a Sunni militant group, executed together with another man ("Journalist hanged in eastern Iran") [ID 25107]

Document(s): Open document

05.08.2008 - Source: BBC News

Iran has executed a journalist accused of involvement with a Sunni militant group blamed for a spate of attacks, officials say ("Journalist hanged in eastern Iran") [ID 25111]

Document(s): Open document

29.07.2008 - Source: Iran Focus

2 men hanged in prison in city of Isfahan; both accused of murder; one man hanged in prison in city of Zahedan; he was accused of drug trafficking ("Three hanged in Iran") [ID 25093]

Document(s): Open document

27.07.2008 - Source: BBC News

Tehran: 29 people executed by hanging in Evin prison ("Iran executes 29 in jail hangings") [ID 25090]

Document(s): Open document

25.07.2008 - Source: Amnesty International

31 year old Soghra Najafpour sentenced to death for the second time for a murder which took place when she was 13 years old ("Further Information on 271/07 (MDE/124/2007, 23 October 2007) [MDE13/098/2008]") [ID 25087]

Document(s): Open document

14.07.2008 - Source: BBC News

Sabzeva: According to a report on state radio, Iran has executed 6 people in public ("Iranians 'execute six in public'") [ID 25073]

Document(s): Open document

11.07.2008 - Source: Amnesty International

According to NGO, the Supreme Court has confirmed the death sentences of Farzad Kamangar, Ali Heydariyan and Farhad Vakili; all 3 were sentenced to death in February 2008 after conviction of "moharebeh" (enmity against God) and alleged membership of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) ("Further Information on Urgent Action 147/08 (MDE 13/075/2008, 30 May 2008) [MDE 13/094/2008]") [ID 25071]

Document(s): Open document

08.07.2008 - Source: Amnesty International

Davoud Abdollahi Moghadam is now known to have been executed in Tehran's Evin Prison; he had been sentenced to death in February 2007 by a military court, after an unfair trial, for spying ("Further Information on Urgent Action 164/07 (MDE 13/080/2007, 29 June 2007) [MDE 13/092/2008]") [ID 25066]

Document(s): Open document

02.07.2008 - Source: Freedom House

Annual survey of political rights and civil liberties 2007: Juvenile executions ("Freedom in the World 2008") [ID 24901]

"Iran is a world leader in juvenile executions. Even though it has ratified two treaties on children’s rights, it has executed more juveniles in the last five years than any other country. In July 2007, Makwan Mouloudzadeh was sentenced to death for crimes he allegedly committed when he was 13, even though the accusers recanted their testimony and the trial was filled with irregularities.[...]"

Document(s): Open document

30.06.2008 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Iranian court sentenced Iranian businessman to death on charges of spying on its nuclear program and its military for Israel ("Iran Sentences Man To Death For Spying For Israel") [ID 24886]

Document(s): Open document

30.06.2008 - Source: BBC News

A 45-year-old man is sentenced to death for sending sensitive security information to Israel ("'Israel spy' sentenced in Iran") [ID 24887]

Document(s): Open document

19.06.2008 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

According to International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran, an international rights group, Iran has sentenced 177 juvenile offenders to death in last decade; 34 of them executed for crimes committed before they were 18 ("Rights Group Condemns Tehran For Juveniles On Death Row") [ID 24844]

Document(s): Open document

19.06.2008 - Source: World Organisation Against Torture

Increase in death penalties, including persons who were minors at the time of the offence; considerable increase in sentences of amputation and stoning ("Steadfast in Protest; Annual Report 2007"), Author: The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders [ID 24846]

See page 201 - 203

"[...] Use of the death penalty also increased considerably, with 265 people executed in 2007 (as opposed to 177 in 2006) [2], including persons who were minors at the time of the offence, in flagrant violation of international law.

Aside from the application of capital punishment for so-called “sexual” crimes (adultery, homosexuality), there was also a considerable increase in the recourse to sentences of amputation and stoning.[...]"

Document(s): Open document

13.06.2008 - Source: Iran Focus

Juvenile offender, Mohammad Hassanzadeh, aged 17 hanged; he was convicted of killing a 10-year-old boy two years ago ("Iran executes juvenile offender") [ID 24722]

Document(s): Open document

11.06.2008 - Source: Amnesty International

AI condemns the execution of Mohammad Hassanzadeh, a Kurdish boy believed to be 16 or 17 years old at the time of execution ("Iran: Amnesty International deplores the execution of Kurdish boy [MDE 13/080/2008]") [ID 24718]

Document(s): Open document

11.06.2008 - Source: Iran Focus

Tehran: According to state media, 8 men have been hanged in Evin prison; they were accused of murder or rape ("Iran hangs eight men in capital") [ID 24719]

Document(s): Open document

09.06.2008 - Source: Iran Focus

North Khorrasan Province: According to state media, one man has been hanged in a prison in city of Bojnourd; he was accused of drug-trafficking ("Man hanged in north-east Iran") [ID 24717]

Document(s): Open document

28.05.2008 - Source: Amnesty International

According to Amnesty International, at least 335 people were executed in 2007 ("Annual Report 2008") [ID 23490]

"The number of executions rose sharply in 2007. Amnesty International received reports that at least 335 people were executed, although the true figure was almost certainly higher. Some people were executed in public, often in multiple hangings.

Death sentences were imposed for a wide range of crimes, including drug smuggling, armed robbery, murder, espionage, political violence and sexual offences. A “special” court in eastern Iran established in May 2006 to reduce the time between the crime and the punishment led to a marked rise in the number of Baluchis executed."

Document(s): Open document

28.05.2008 - Source: Amnesty International

At least 7 people aged under 18 at the time of the crime were executed in 2007; at least 75 other child offenders remained on death row ("Annual Report 2008") [ID 23491]

"At least seven people aged under 18 at the time of the crime were executed and at least 75 other child offenders remained on death row.

Following domestic and international protests, the death sentences of at least two child offenders – Sina Paymard and Nazanin Fatehi – were commuted.

Makwan Moloudzadeh, an Iranian Kurdish child offender, was executed in December following a grossly flawed trial for three rapes he allegedly committed at the age of 13, eight years earlier. In sentencing him to death, the judge relied on his “knowledge” that the offence had occurred and that Makwan Moloudzadeh had reached puberty at the time of the crime and so could be tried and sentenced as an adult."

Document(s): Open document

29.04.2008 - Source: Amnesty International

Behnoud Shojaee is facing imminent execution for a murder committed when he was 17 years old ("Urgent Action 114/08 [MDE 13/065/2008]") [ID 24621]

Document(s): Open document

27.04.2008 - Source: Iran Focus

According to a newspaper, a 17-year-old Iranian youth who killed a boy has been sentenced to death by a court in Tehran ("Iran youth who killed love rival faces execution - media") [ID 24620]

Document(s): Open document

24.04.2008 - Source: Iran Focus

Tehran, Evin Prison: According to state media reports, Iranian authorities hanged 5 men accused of murder ("5 hanged in Iran's Evin Prison") [ID 24616]

Document(s): Open document

23.04.2008 - Source: Amnesty International

Hossein Haghi is facing execution for a murder committed when he was 16 years old, even though Iran is a state party to international treaties, which expressly prohibit the execution of child offenders ("Urgent Action 107/08 [MDE 13/056/2008]") [ID 24613]

Document(s): Open document

15.04.2008 - Source: Iran Focus

According to a report form AI, Iran executed at least 317 people in 2007 ("Iran executes hundreds in 2007 - Amnesty") [ID 24605]

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Khuzestan province: 11 Ahvazi Arabs executed by the government in connection with bombings in that province in 2005 and 2006; according to NGOs and human rights groups, they did not receive fair trails ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 22731]

"During the year the government executed at least 11 Ahvazi Arabs in Khuzestan province in connection with bombings in that province in 2005 and 2006. NGOs and human rights groups outside the country condemned the executions, stating that the accused did not receive fair trials.

On January 10, three UN independent experts released a joint statement condemning the executions. Philip Alston, the UN Special Rapporteur (UNSR) on extrajudicial, summary, or arbitrary executions; Leandro Despouy, the UNSR on the independence of judges and lawyers; and Manfred Nowak, the UNSR on torture, jointly called on the government to halt the imminent executions of seven Ahvazi Arabs and grant them fair and public hearings.

The UNSRs alleged that authorities used torture to extract the confessions of the accused, and that defense lawyers were not allowed access to the accused during trial and were themselves threatened with charges of "acting against national security." It was not known if all seven were executed at year's end."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Iranian government continues to execute minors and juvenile offenders ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 22733]

"[…] On September 17, UN Commissioner for Human Rights Louise Arbour called on the government to end the practice of juvenile executions. According to AI, there were more than 71 juvenile offenders on death row in the country at year's end, and more than 15 have been executed since 2004.

For example, on April 22, authorities executed 20-year-old Syed Mohammad Reza Mousavi in Shiraz for a murder he allegedly committed when he was 16. His family was not notified of the execution and did not see him before it took place. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), Mousavi was wrongly tried in an adult court instead of the special juvenile court.

On May 22, authorities executed 17-year-old Sa'id Qanbar Zahi in Zahedan, following his televised "confession" of involvement in bombings, carjacking, and murder. HRW reported that his arrest, confession, trial, sentencing, and execution all took place within a few weeks.

On October 17, authorities hanged 18-year-old Hoseyn Gharabagloo for allegedly killing a 20-year-old man in a scuffle when he was 15. Security forces arrested and detained Gharabagloo in 2004, but he escaped detention prior to his April 2005 trial. In November 2006 security forces recaptured Gharabagloo and sentenced him to death. He appealed, but the Supreme Court confirmed his sentence in December 2006.

On December 4, authorities executed Iranian Kurdish juvenile offender Makwan Moloudzadeh, age 20, after what AI reported as a "grossly flawed trial" for allegedly raping three individuals when he was 13. AI noted that the alleged victims withdrew their accusations before Moloudzadeh was convicted and sentenced."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

In accordance with the civil code, persons under 18 years of age may be prosecuted for crimes as adults; according to an AI report, 71 juveniles were on death row ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 22871]

"According to the civil code, persons under 18 years of age may be prosecuted for crimes as adults, without special procedures, and may be imprisoned with adults. The age of criminal responsibility is set at 15 years for males and nine years for females. As a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the country is obligated not to execute persons for crimes committed when they were younger than 18. However, during the year the government reportedly tried and executed at least five persons who committed crimes while under the age of 18.

Sina Paymard was to be executed for crimes he committed before the age of 18. He was released permanently in mid-December.

According to a June 26 AI report, during the year 71 juveniles were on death row. According to the law, persons under 18 should be tried in a special juvenile court, but there were reports during the year of juveniles being tried in adult courts."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Death sentence for 6 Ahvazi Arabs after reportedly unfair trails ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 22872]

"The government also continued to sentence individuals to execution after reportedly unfair trials. During the year six Ahvazi Arabs were scheduled for execution after trials not considered fair, one of whom was granted refugee status by UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)."

Document(s): Open document

03.2008 - Source: UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Iran executed a total of 177 individuals in 2006, almost double the previous year’s total of 94, including the execution of at least 4 juvenile offenders; first confirmed execution by stoning took place in July 2007 ("Human Rights Annual Report 2007") [ID 23619]

"Against a global decreasing trend in the use of the death penalty, the total number of executions in Iran is increasing year on year. Iran remains second only to China (whose population is over 15 times the size of Iran’s) in terms of total number of executions. Amnesty International estimates that Iran executed a total of 177 individuals in 2006, a sharp rise and almost double the previous year’s total of 94. There have been approximately 300 executions in 2007, including the execution of at least four juvenile offenders.

In clear breach of its international obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Iran is one of very few countries in the world that still applies the death penalty for crimes committed before the age of 18. There are reports of juveniles being kept in prison until they turn 18, when the sentence can be carried out. According to the UN Special Rapporteur on Extra-judicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions, over 70 juvenile offenders remain on death row in Iran.

[…] More executions are taking place in public – in August 2007, two convicts were hanged in a busy street in central Tehran. There has also been an increase in collective executions – up to 21 individuals at a time. July 2007 saw the first confirmed report of a stoning sentence being carried out since Iran announced a moratorium on the practice in 2002: a man was stoned to death in Qazvin province. He and his partner had been convicted for adultery and had already served 11 years in prison. Despite international outcry over this case, stoning sentences are still handed down by judges in Iran.

In an interview in October 2007, Mohammad-Javad Larijani, secretary of the Iranian judiciary’s human rights headquarters, said that stoning is neither torture nor a disproportionate punishment for adultery. The death penalty remains on the statute books for consenting same-sex relations. […]"

Document(s): Open document

27.02.2008 - Source: Iran Focus

Authorities hanged a young man in prison for a crime allegedly committed when he was 16 years old ("Man hanged in Iran for allegedly committing crime aged 16") [ID 23611]

Document(s): Open document

27.02.2008 - Source: Human Rights Watch

HRW calls on judiciary to revoke death sentence against Kurdish teacher Farzad Kamangar; Kamangar was active in number of civil society organisations ("Kurdish Teacher Tortured, Sentenced to Death") [ID 23612]

Document(s): Open document

18.02.2008 - Source: Iran Focus

North-Eastern Iran: Authorities hang two men, state media reports ("Iran hangs two in north-east province") [ID 23605]

Document(s): Open document

18.02.2008 - Source: Iran Focus

South-Eastern Iran: Journalist accused of involvement in terrorist group sentenced to death ("Iran sentences journalist to death") [ID 23606]

Document(s): Open document

12.02.2008 - Source: Amnesty International

Baluchistan: Cultural and civil rights activist Ya’qub Mehrnehad was sentenced to death for an unknown offence, after an unfair trial conducted behind closed doors; he has allegedly been tortured ("Urgent Action 38/08 [MDE 13/038/2008]") [ID 23602]

Document(s): Open document

07.02.2008 - Source: Amnesty International

Khuzestan: Abdulreza Sanawati Zergani, Abdul Husain Haribi, Ahmad Maramazi (Husain Maramazi)and Husain Asakreh reportedly executed in prison in Khuzestan; they had been sentenced to death for involvement in bomb explosions in 2005 ("Further Information on Urgent Action 301/06 (MDE 13/126/2006, 13 November 2006) and follow-up (MDE 13/123/2006, 7 December 2006; MDE 13/142/2006, 22 December 2006; MDE 13/006/2007, 25 January 2007 and MDE 13/042/2007, 03 April 2007) [MDE 13/036/2008]") [ID 23599]

Document(s): Open document

07.02.2008 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Court sentenced man to death for his fourth violation of the ban on drinking alcohol; Iranian lawyers argue that the execution of such offenders is also a violation of the country's laws ("'Hardened Drinker' Faces Death Penalty") [ID 23600]

Document(s): Open document

31.01.2008 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

The head of Iran's judiciary is seeking to impose limits on public executions amid a rise in death-penalty cases during President Mahmud Ahmadinejad's 2 1/2 years in office; Iran put some 300 people to death in 2007; death sentences also for minors ("Judiciary Chief Seeks Curb On Public Executions") [ID 22509]

Document(s): Open document

31.01.2008 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Juvenile Death Penalty ("World Report 2008") [ID 22517]

"Iran leads the world in the number of death sentences handed down to defendants for crimes they committed under age 18. At least 70 juvenile offenders are presently on death row, and at this writing Iran has executed two juvenile offenders in 2007:

Syed Mohammad Reza Mousavi Shirazi, 20, executed in Adel Abd prison in Shiraz city on April 22 for a murder he allegedly committed when he was 16, and Sa'id Qanbar Zahi, 17, executed in Zahedan on May 27. In 2003 the head of the Judiciary, Ayatollah Shahrudi, circulated an order among Iran’s judges prohibiting death sentences for juvenile offenders, but courts continue to issue such sentences."

Document(s): Open document

31.01.2008 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

The head of Iran's judiciary is seeking to impose limits on public executions amid a rise in death-penalty cases during President Mahmud Ahmadinejad's 2 1/2 years in office; Iran put some 300 people to death in 2007; death sentences also for minors ("Judiciary Chief Seeks Curb On Public Executions") [ID 23553]

Document(s): Open document

31.01.2008 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Iran has executed 2 juvenile offenders in 2007, at least 70 juvenile offenders are presently on death row ("World Report 2008") [ID 23559]

"Iran leads the world in the number of death sentences handed down to defendants for crimes they committed under age 18. At least 70 juvenile offenders are presently on death row, and at this writing Iran has executed two juvenile offenders in 2007:

Syed Mohammad Reza Mousavi Shirazi, 20, executed in Adel Abd prison in Shiraz city on April 22 for a murder he allegedly committed when he was 16, and Sa'id Qanbar Zahi, 17, executed in Zahedan on May 27.

In 2003 the head of the Judiciary, Ayatollah Shahrudi, circulated an order among Iran’s judges prohibiting death sentences for juvenile offenders, but courts continue to issue such sentences."

Document(s): Open document

30.01.2008 - Source: Iran Focus

Airport customs contractor accused of bribe-taking and other corruption executed; three other airport employees sentenced to death ("Iran executes bribery convict") [ID 22439]

Document(s): Open document

28.01.2008 - Source: Iran Focus

Province of Markazi: Authorities hanged two men in public, state media reported ("Two men hanged in central Iran") [ID 22438]

Document(s): Open document

15.01.2008 - Source: Guardian

Iran urged to abolish executions by stoning, described by Amnesty International as 'grotesque and horrific' form of punishment; 177 people have been executed - mostly by hanging - in 2006; 124 people were executed up to mid-year 2007, mostly by hanging too; 2 people were stoned to death in 2006 and one in 2007 ("Amnesty demands Iran ends 'grotesque' stoning executions") [ID 22246]

Document(s): Open document

10.01.2008 - Source: Iran Focus

Province of Khorrasan Jonoubi: Authorities hanged three individuals, state media reported ("Three people hanged in eastern Iran") [ID 22250]

Document(s): Open document

02.01.2008 - Source: Iran Focus

Iran hanged 13 convicted criminals: Among those a mother of two young children who had been found guilty of murdering her husband after discovering he was having an affair ("Iran hangs 13 on single day: reports") [ID 22242]

Document(s): Open document

01.01.2008 - Source: Iran Focus

Province of Sistan-va-Baluchistan: Iranian authorities hanged 2 men on 31 December 2007; they were accused of drug trafficking ("Two men hanged in south-east Iran") [ID 22158]

Document(s): Open document

29.12.2007 - Source: Iran Focus

Iran Supreme Court upholds death sentence for 17-year old schoolboy over the murder of his eight-year-old friend in December 2005; he was found guilty of convincing his younger friend to have sex with him; imminent execution ("Iran Supreme Court upholds death sentence for teenage boy") [ID 22157]

Document(s): Open document

20.12.2007 - Source: Iran Focus

Tehran: Authorities hang four people, including a woman, in notorious Evin Prison ("Iran hangs three men, one woman") [ID 22151]

Document(s): Open document

17.12.2007 - Source: Amnesty International

Raheleh Zamani, a mother of two children aged five and three, is facing imminent execution for the killing of her husband ("Urgent Action 334/07 [MDE 13/149/2007]") [ID 22510]

Document(s): Open document

11.12.2007 - Source: Iran Focus

Khorrasan province: Four people were hanged, state television reported ("Four hanged in north-east Iran") [ID 22140]

Document(s): Open document

06.12.2007 - Source: Amnesty International

Amnesty International condemns the execution of Makwan Moloudzadeh, an Iranian Kurdish child offender, on 4 December 2007; he was executed for a crime he allegedly committed at the age of 13; in 2007 Iranian authorities have executed at least 5 other child offenders; at least 75 others remain on death row ("Execution of child offender Makwan Moloudazdeh is a mockery of justice [MDE 13/141/2007]") [ID 22135]

Document(s): Open document

06.12.2007 - Source: BBC News

A man convicted of rape when he was 13 is executed despite a judicial decree revoking his sentence ("Iranian hanged after verdict stay") [ID 22137]

Document(s): Open document

05.12.2007 - Source: Iran Focus

Province of Kerman: 5 individuals were executed on Wednesday, state media reported ("Five hanged in southern Iran") [ID 22083]

Document(s): Open document

05.12.2007 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Authorities are demanded to follow the order by the head of the Judiciary Ayatollah Shahrudi to halt the execution of Makwan Mouloudzadeh for a judicial review of the case; he was sentenced to death for crimes allegedly committed when he was 13 years old; his accusers recanted their accusations against him; his confessions were coerced ("Prevent Execution of Juvenile Offender") [ID 22133]

Document(s): Open document

02.12.2007 - Source: Iran Focus

Authorities hanged three men in holy city of Qom, south of Tehran, state media reported ("Iran hangs three men in public") [ID 22082]

Document(s): Open document

27.11.2007 - Source: Iran Focus

Central Iran: A man accused of drug trafficking was hanged, state media reported ("Man hanged in central Iran") [ID 21827]

Document(s): Open document

27.11.2007 - Source: Iran Focus

Central Iran: A man accused of drug trafficking was hanged, state media reported ("Man hanged in central Iran") [ID 22076]

Document(s): Open document

25.11.2007 - Source: Iran Focus

Sistan-va-Baluchistan: Two men accused of drug trafficking were hanged, state media reported ("Two men hanged in south-east Iran") [ID 21829]

Document(s): Open document

25.11.2007 - Source: Iran Focus

Sistan-va-Baluchistan: Two men accused of drug trafficking were hanged, state media reported ("Two men hanged in south-east Iran") [ID 22074]

Document(s): Open document

16.11.2007 - Source: Amnesty International

On 14 November the Supreme Court heard an appeal against the death sentence imposed on child offender Makwan Moloudzadeh; in the next few months, the Supreme Court has to rule whether the sentence remains valid ("Further Information on Urgent Action 278/07 (MDE 13/125/2007, 26 October 2007) [MDE 13/136/2007]") [ID 22057]

Document(s): Open document

14.11.2007 - Source: Iran Focus

Kermanshah Province: Two men were publicly hanged; they were charged with robbery and murder ("Two hanged in public in western Iran") [ID 22066]

Document(s): Open document

11.11.2007 - Source: Iran Focus

Sistan-va-Baluchistan: Nader Kalbali was hanged in the provincial capital Zahedan; he was charged with drug trafficking ("Man hanged in volatile Iran province") [ID 22063]

Document(s): Open document

09.11.2007 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Supreme court decision upholding death sentence for Kurdish journalist should be "taken seriously" ("Supreme court decision upholding death sentence for Kurdish journalist should be "taken seriously"") [ID 21684]

Document(s): Open document

08.11.2007 - Source: Iran Focus

Tehran: Two men were hanged in public south-west of the capital Tehran; they were found guilty of raping a Dutch woman ("Iran hangs two men in public south of capital") [ID 22061]

Document(s): Open document

04.11.2007 - Source: Iran Focus

Central Iran: Man hanged in city of Isfahan, state media reports ("Man hanged in central Iran") [ID 21671]

Document(s): Open document

04.11.2007 - Source: Iran Focus

Southern Iran: Four men hanged, state media reports; they were accused of drug trafficking ("Four men hanged in port city") [ID 21672]

Document(s): Open document

03.11.2007 - Source: Iran Focus

Southern Iran: Authorities hang man in public, state media reports ("Man hanged in public in southern Iran") [ID 21674]

Document(s): Open document

03.11.2007 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Iranian authorities should immediately prevent the execution of Makwan Mouloudzadeh and commute his death sentence, HRW says; Mouloudzadeh, 20, was sentenced to death on questionable evidence for a crime supposedly committed when he was a 13-year-old child ("Revoke Death Sentence in Juvenile Case") [ID 21740]

Document(s): Open document

02.11.2007 - Source: ReliefWeb

Afghanistan complains to Iran over death penalty; Afghan drug smugglers often face death sentence in Iranian border provinces; unconfirmed reports of Afghan human rights group speaks of 17 year old Afghan hanged for smuggling heroin late October ("Afghanistan complains to Iran over death penalty, refugees"), Author: Agence France-Presse (AFP) [ID 21732]

Document(s): Open document

31.10.2007 - Source: Iran Focus

Qom: Authorities hang man in public, state media reports ("Iran hangs man in public in holy city") [ID 21677]

Document(s): Open document

31.10.2007 - Source: Iran Focus

Central Iran: Authorities hang man in public, state media reports ("Man hanged in public in central Iran") [ID 21678]

Document(s): Open document

28.10.2007 - Source: Iran Focus

Central Iran: Three men hanged in prisons, state media reports ("Iran hangs three men") [ID 21680]

Document(s): Open document

26.10.2007 - Source: Amnesty International

Iranian Kurd, Makwan Moloudzadeh, at risk of being executed; he was convicted of rape; Moloudzadeh was 13 at the time he committed the crime ("Urgent Action 278/07 [MDE 13/25/2007]") [ID 21812]

Document(s): Open document

23.10.2007 - Source: Amnesty International

Soghra Najafpour hiding in fear of being detained and executed; sentenced to death 18 years ago; released on bail on 1 October 2007 ("Urgent Action 271/07 [MDE 13/124/2007]") [ID 21811]

Document(s): Open document

21.10.2007 - Source: Iran Focus

Eastern Iran: Five people hanged in public, state media reports ("Five hanged in public in eastern Iran") [ID 21681]

Document(s): Open document

10.09.2007 - Source: Federal Government (Germany)

Deterioration of human rights situation since Mahmud Ahmadinejad assumed office in 2005; details on death penalty and corporal punishment (response to parliamentary query, in German) ("Antwort der Bundesregierung auf die Kleine Anfrage der Fraktion Bündnis 90/Die Grünen - BT-Drs. 16/6336") [ID 22071]

"[...] Seit Amtsantritt der derzeitigen iranischen Regierung unter Präsident Mahmoud Ahmadinejad im Jahre 2005 ist eine Verschlechterung der Menschenrechtslage im Iran zu beobachten. Die fortdauernden Repressionsmaßnahmen lassen ver- muten, dass die iranische Staatsführung Anstrengungen zur Disziplinierung einer in Teilen widerstrebenden Gesellschaft unternimmt. Die Gesellschaft soll gezwungen werden, den Prinzipien der Islamischen Revolution treu zu bleiben. Diese Tendenz hat sich in den letzten Monaten verstärkt.

[...]Die Zahl der Hinrichtungen hat 2007 gegenüber den Vorjahren deutlich zugenommen. 2006 wurden im Iran 177 Hinrichtungen dokumentiert, in den ersten acht Monaten des Jahres 2007 bereits mindestens 173. Die Zahl der Hinrichtungen hat 2007 gegenüber den Vorjahren deutlich zugenommen. 2006 wurden im Iran 177 Hinrichtungen dokumentiert, in den ersten acht Monaten des Jahres 2007 bereits mindestens 173.

Nach Erkenntnissen der Bundesregierung finden im Iran landesweit Hinrichtungen statt. Die Verurtei- lungen der Betroffenen erfolgen wegen unterschiedlicher Straftaten: Tötungsdelikte, Handel mit Betäubungsmitteln und Waffen, Raub, Entführung, Unruhestiftung und Vergewaltigung. Hinrichtungen werden teilweise öffentlich, in der Regel durch Erhängen durchgeführt. [...]"

Document(s): Open document

10.09.2007 - Source: Federal Government (Germany)

Minors sentenced to death; Deterioration of human rights situation since Mahmud Ahmadinejad assumed office in 2005; details on death penalty and corporal punishment (response to parliamentary query, in German) ("Antwort der Bundesregierung auf die Kleine Anfrage der Fraktion Bündnis 90/Die Grünen - BT-Drs. 16/6336") [ID 22407]

"Jugendliche werden im Iran weiterhin zum Tode verurteilt und in Einzelfällen hingerichtet. Derzeit sollen sich nach Angaben von Menschenrechtsorganisationen über 70 zur Tatzeit Minderjährige in iranischen Gefängnissen befinden, gegen die ein Todesurteil ergangen ist.

Seit 1990 sollen im Iran mindestens 24 zum Tatzeitpunkt minderjährige Straftäter hingerichtet worden sein, vier davon im Jahre 2006.
2007 sind mindestens zwei Fälle bekannt geworden: Mohammad Moussavi am 22. April in Shiraz und Qanbar Zahi am 28. Mai in Zahedan.
Iranische Medien berichteten ferner vom Fall eines Mannes namens Abbas, der am 31. Mai 2007 in Neka in der Provinz Mazandaran hingerichtet worden sei"

Document(s): Open document

10.09.2007 - Source: Federal Government (Germany)

Deterioration of human rights situation since Mahmud Ahmadinejad assumed office in 2005; details on death penalty and corporal punishment (response to parliamentary query, in German) ("Antwort der Bundesregierung auf die Kleine Anfrage der Fraktion Bündnis 90/Die Grünen - BT-Drs. 16/6336") [ID 22409]

"[...] Oppositionelle können im Iran zum Tode verurteilt werden; in der Vergangenheit wurden Oppositionelle und politische Aktivisten allerdings eher zu langjährigen Haftstrafen verurteilt. Todesurteile sind aber gegen einige Mitglieder der Volksmujaheddin ausgesprochen worden. [...]"

Document(s): Open document

13.07.2007 - Source: Amnesty International

AI is greatly concerned by continuing human rights violations in Iran, including new arrests of human rights defenders and high rate of executions, including first execution by stoning confirmed by authorities since moratorium on stonings was announced in 2002 ("Violations of human rights continue unabated [MDE 13/085/2007]") [ID 21610]

Document(s): Open document

12.07.2007 - Source: Guardian

Iranian government has decided to execute 20 sex offenders and violent criminals ("Iran to defy west by executing sex offenders") [ID 21597]

Document(s): Open document

03.07.2007 - Source: Amnesty International

Iran is the world's sole executioner of child offenders; it has executed more child offenders (24) than any other country in the world since 1990; 11 of those sentenced to death were still aged under 18 when executed ("Iran – the last executioner of children") [ID 21444]

Document(s): Open document

29.06.2007 - Source: Amnesty International

Colonel Davoud Abdollahi Moghadam was sentenced to death by a military court in February 2007, and is now facing execution; the charges against him are reported to have been politically motivated ("Urgent Action 164/07 [MDE 13/080/2007]") [ID 21452]

Document(s): Open document

24.06.2007 - Source: Iran Focus

Tehran: Man hanged near capital ("In Brief: Man hanged near Iran capital") [ID 21458]

Document(s): Open document

22.06.2007 - Source: Iran Focus

Man hanged in public in Western Iran ("In Brief: Man hanged in public in western Iran") [ID 21459]

Document(s): Open document

20.06.2007 - Source: Iran Focus

Authorities executed a 40-year-old man, accused of drug trafficking, in public ("Man hanged in public in southern Iran") [ID 21462]

Document(s): Open document

14.06.2007 - Source: Iran Focus

Tehran: 5 persons hanged in Evin Prison ("Iran hangs five in notorious prison") [ID 21466]

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Two 17-year-old teenagers executed ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19338]

"On May 11 [2006], according to HRW, authorities executed Majid Segound and Masoud Naghi Biranvand, both of whom were age 17 at the time of their execution."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

17-year-old Ali Afrawi tried and finally executed in March 2005 ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19591]

"[...] reports indicated that during the year the government tried persons under the age of 18, including Ali Afrawi, who was reported to have been 17 years old at the time of his trial and execution in March (see section 1.a.)."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Two men scheduled to be executed for crimes they committed before the age of 18; victims’ families can decide whether to seek blood money in lieu of the death penalty ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19592]

"In September two men, Sina Paymard and Ali Alijan, were scheduled to be executed for crimes they committed before the age of 18; however, both received reprieves from the victims' families, who were permitted under law to seek blood money in lieu of the death penalty."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Despite a moratorium on death penalty for persons under 18, a man was executed for a crime he committed with 17; 30 juveniles on death row ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19593]

"In January 2005 government officials told the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child that for many years there had been a moratorium on the death penalty for persons under 18. During the same month, according to credible reports, a man was executed for a crime committed when he was 17. According to an HRW report, during the year 30 juveniles were on death row."

Document(s): Open document

03.12.2006 - Source: Reporters Sans Frontières

Ayatollah issues fatwa calling for 2 journalists in Azerbaijan to be killed ("Ayatollah issues fatwa calling for two journalists in Azerbaijan to be killed") [ID 18022]

"Reporters Without Borders voiced deep concern today about a fatwa (religious decree) issued by an Iranian ayatollah calling for two journalists in neighbouring Azerbaijan to be killed for an allegedly blasphemous article. The fatwa’s targets are Rafiq Nazar Oughlo Taghizadh of the Azerbaijani fortnightly Sanat (“Industry”) and his editor Samir Sadaght Oughlo."

Document(s): Open document

26.11.2006 - Source: Iran Focus

According to a state-run news agency authorities hanged a man in public in South-East for adultery ("Iran hangs man for adultery") [ID 17855]

Document(s): Open document

22.11.2006 - Source: Iran Focus

Tehran’s public prosecutor seeks death penalty for 7 individuals accused of producing and distributing pornographic CDs ("Iran prosecutors seek death penalty for 7 "vulgar CD" sellers") [ID 17856]

Document(s): Open document

20.11.2006 - Source: Iran Focus

Province of Golestan: 5 men hanged in public according to state-run daily newspaper ("Iran steps up executions") [ID 18015]

Document(s): Open document

23.05.2006 - Source: Amnesty International

A Kurdish women's right activist and 2 Kurdish journalists arrested, later released on bail; they face charges that can carry the death penalty ("Annual Report 2006") [ID 18828]

"[...] Dr Roya Toloui, a women’s rights activist, and two journalists, Ajlal Qavami and Sa’id Sa’edi, were among the Kurds arrested in August [2005]. All were released on bail in October and were reported to be facing political charges that can carry the death penalty."

Document(s): Open document

23.05.2006 - Source: Amnesty International

Death penalty and its execution in 2005 ("Annual Report 2006") [ID 18896]

"At least 94 people were executed in 2005, including at least eight aged under 18 at the time of the crime. Scores more were reported to have been sentenced to death, including at least 11 who were under 18 at the time of the offence. The true figures were probably much higher. Death sentences continued to be imposed for vaguely worded offences such as “corruption on earth”.

In October, a woman was reportedly sentenced to death by stoning, despite a moratorium on the use of this punishment introduced in 2002.

In January, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child urged Iran to suspend immediately the execution of people aged under 18 at the time of the crime, and to abolish the death penalty for people who commit crimes before they are 18. Despite Iran’s statement that there was a moratorium on the use of the death penalty against juvenile offenders, Iman Farrokhi was executed on the very day that Iran’s report was considered by the Committee. He was 17 when he allegedly killed a soldier in a fight.

Following domestic and international protests, the death sentences of some women and of men aged under 18 at the time of their alleged offence were suspended or lifted."

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

16-year-old girl hanged without having access to a lawyer ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46058],  [ID 18355]

"In August 2004 Iranian media reported that 16-year-old Ateqeh Rajabi was hanged in public for "acts incompatible with chastity." Rajabi was not believed to be mentally competent and had no access to a lawyer. The supreme court upheld her sentence. An unnamed man arrested with her received 100 lashes and was released."

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Despite forensic evidence proofing self-defence in the case of Afsaneh Noroozi, the court insisted on the death penalty; later blood money was accepted and Noroozi pardoned ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46058],  [ID 18490]

"On January 27, authorities released Afsaneh Noroozi from prison after being pardoned for a murder that she and police and forensic experts claimed was in self-defense. Police arrested her in 1997 for killing a senior security and intelligence officer. She claimed she killed him in self-defense after he attempted to rape her. According to AI, police tortured and threatened Noroozi and her husband, eliciting false confessions. In a 2000 trial, she was given the death penalty. Her 2004 retrial was also held behind closed doors but supervised by the judiciary. The court did not change the ruling, but it announced on January 11 that the family had agreed to forgo the death penalty in exchange for blood money. Upon her release the judiciary repeated its rejection of Noroozi's self-defense claim."

Document(s): Open document

02.03.2006 - Source: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty

Human rights groups express concerns over increase in reported executions ("Iran: New Wave Of Executions Raises Concerns") [#45600],  [ID 8505]

Document(s): Open document

27.09.2005 - Source: Amnesty International

Teheran: Farmer sentenced to death in October 2004, apparently convicted of smuggling firearms and opium, is alleged to have confessed under torture; Supreme Court is believed to have upheld sentence this month ("Iran - UA 256/05") [#37095],  [ID 8506]

Document(s): Open document
Open document

14.09.2005 - Source: Amnesty International

Lahijan: 19-year-old girl sentenced to death for murder of her aunt ("Iran - UA 239/05") [#36642],  [ID 8507]

Document(s): Open document
Open document

12.09.2005 - Source: Amnesty International

22-year-old man scheduled to be executed in Ahvaz on or around 18 September after his sentence was upheld by supreme Court in Tehran; it is believed that he was not granted access to legal representation, and was not able to appeal against his sentence ("Iran - UA 236/05") [#36517],  [ID 8508]

Document(s): Open document

12.09.2005 - Source: Amnesty International

4 Kurdish men, held in Oromiye prison, face imminent execution ("Iran - UA 235/05") [#36518],  [ID 8509]

Document(s): Open document

07.09.2005 - Source: Amnesty International

Oroumiye, West Azerbaijan province: Execution of member of pro-Kurdish Komala Party who was sentenced to death in 2003 after reportedly unfair trial ("Iran - Further Information on UA 236/03") [#36329],  [ID 8510]

Document(s): Open document
Open document

05.09.2005 - Source: Amnesty International

Tehran: Man at risk of imminent execution for a murder; his death sentence was upheld by Branch 27 of Supreme Court and could be carried out at any time ("Iran - UA 227/05") [#36270],  [ID 8511]

Document(s): Open document

24.08.2005 - Source: Amnesty International

16-year-old student and 17-year-old musician are at risk of imminent execution for murder ("Iran - UA 220/05") [#35914],  [ID 8512]

Document(s): Open document

11.08.2005 - Source: World Organisation Against Torture

Despite prohibition of article 37 of UN Convention on the Rights of the Child to which Iran is state party, number of juveniles have recently received death sentences ("End child death penalty in Iran") [#36274],  [ID 8513]

Document(s): Open document

27.07.2005 - Source: Human Rights Watch

2 youths executed after they were found guilty of sexually assaulting 13-year-old boy; at least 30 juvenile offenders are on death row ("End Juvenile Executions") [#34533],  [ID 8514]

Document(s): Open document

25.07.2005 - Source: Integrated Regional Information Network

Khorasan: 2 gay teenagers executed in Mashad on charges of homosexuality; prior to executions, teenagers were held in prison for 14 months and severely beaten ("Activists condemn execution of gay teens") [#34431],  [ID 8515]

Document(s): Open document

22.07.2005 - Source: Amnesty International

Mashhad, Poldokhtar: 3 persons executed for crimes committed when they were children (under 18) ("Iran continues to execute minors and juvenile offenders") [#34404],  [ID 8516]

Document(s): Open document

25.05.2005 - Source: Amnesty International

Death penalty, torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading punishments ("Annual Report 2005") [#32306],  [ID 8522]

"[...]At least 159 people were executed in 2004, including at least one minor. Scores of others, including at least 10 people who were under 18 at the time the crime was committed were sentenced to death. It was not known how many of these sentences had been upheld by the Supreme Court. The true figures were believed to be considerably higher. The death penalty continued to be handed down for charges such as “enmity against God” or “morality crimes” that did not reflect internationally recognizable criminal charges.
On 15 August, Atefeh Rajabi, reportedly aged 16, was hanged. She was sentenced after a grossly unfair trial during which she was publicly insulted and doubts regarding her mental state appeared to be ignored.
At least 36 people were sentenced to flogging, although the true figure was thought to be significantly higher.
Mohsen Mofidi died in February in Tehran following the imposition of a flogging sentence. No investigation was carried out by the authorities to establish whether he died as a result of the flogging.
In November and December Leyla Mafi, who was reported to be a child offender with mental disabilities, and Hajieh Esmailvand were sentenced to death, the latter reportedly by stoning. They were convicted of prostitution and other acts of immorality (a’mal khalaf-e ‘ofat). Following domestic and international protests both women were granted a stay of execution. Afsaneh Norouzi, who was sentenced to death in 2003, had her case transferred to a conciliation council.
Torture continued to be routine in many prisons.
In July, the head of a prison in Dezful, southern Iran, was dismissed in connection with an incident in which his staff tied an inmate to a ceiling fan, severing circulation to his hands, which then had to be amputated. [...]"

Document(s): Open document
Open document

04.2005 - Source: UK Border Agency (Home Office)

executions due to drug trafficking or sexual relations outside marriage ("Country Report - April 2005") [#31980],  [ID 8517]

"[...]
5.22 According to the UN, in 1998, the Iranian authorities have said that many of the executions conducted in Iran relate to drug trafficking offences, but no corroborative statistics or information on the protection of human rights policies in dealing with such offenders is available. Numbers of stonings and deaths as a consequence are unclear, though most take place in the larger cities such as Tehran, Hamedan, Isfahan and Kermanshah. All are endorsed by the Supreme Court [10b](pg5), including stoning of women found guilty of sexual relations outside marriage. [10h](pg12) [...]"

Document(s): Open document

04.2005 - Source: UK Border Agency (Home Office)

Death penalty ("Country Report - April 2005") [#31980],  [ID 8518]

"[...]According to AI in 2001 there was an instance in which a thirteen year old boy Azizullah Shenwari was sentenced to death for drug trafficking although this was later commuted to life imprisonment and is currently under appeal. [9k] On 28 September 2003 it was announced that the Judiciary had drafted a bill, to be presented to Majlis, raising the minimum age for capital punishment from 15 to18 and excluding children under 12 from all punishment and excluding under 18s from being able to receive jail terms or lashes. [18b] However, according to an AI report on 23 August 2004, "The execution of a girl who was believed to be 16 years old, Ateqeh Rajabi, in Neka in the northern Iranian province of Mazandaran, on 15 August, for "acts incompatible with chastity" (amal-e manafe-ye ‘ofat). Ateqeh Rajabi was reportedly publicly hanged on a street in the city centre of Neka. Amnesty International was alarmed that this execution was carried out despite reports that Ateqeh Rajabi was not believed to be mentally competent, and that she reportedly did not have access to a lawyer at any stage". [9ah] The Bill to raise the minimum age for execution to 18 was reportedly under consideration by parliament in December 2003. However, the Bill is not believed to have been ratified by the Guardian Council, Iran’s highest legislative body. [9ah] In January 2005 AI stated that, "Iran is already a party to international conventions that prohibit child executions, and for the last three years Iranian authorities have been considering legislation that would prohibit the use of the death penalty for offences committed by persons under the age of 18. It is time for Iran to make good on its international promises and stop child executions". [9ai]
5.38 The number of executions recorded by Amnesty International in Iran until June 2001 was 44, [3c] and is recorded as having reached 139 by year's end, although the true figure may be much higher. [9n] According to a written statement submitted by France Liberté, a NGO, to the UN Commission on Human Rights the number of announced executions since the beginning of 2002 - in six months - amounted to 200, indicating a 50 percent rise compared with the same period in 2001. [10s] By February 2003 Amnesty International had recorded a total of at least 111 executions in Iran [9r] and by 28 May 2003, when the Annual Report for 2003 was published, they reported that at least 113 people, including six women, had been executed, many in public. At least two people were reportedly executed by stoning and at least one execution was broadcast on television. [9z] Late last year (2002) the head of the Supreme Administrative court announced a moratorium on the practice of stoning. [21ay] As in previous years, there was a surge in public executions and floggings between July and September. At least 84 people were flogged. The true numbers of executions and floggings may have been considerably higher. Political organizations, for example, reported that 450 people were executed in 2002. [9z](pg3) Amnesty International, in their death sentences and executions statistics for 2003 give a figure of at least 108 executions, [9ad] and for 2004 at least 159. [9aj] [...]"

Document(s): Open document

16.03.2005 - Source: BBC News

Pakdasht: Serial killer, who murdered at least 20 children, executed in front of large crowd of spectators ("Iran's 'desert vampire' executed") [#30215],  [ID 8519]

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2005 - Source: UN Human Rights Council (formerly UN Commission on Human Rights)

Child exectutions ("Civil and political rights [E/CN.4/2005/NGO/310]") [#30293],  [ID 8520]

"[...]As a State party to the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), Iran has undertaken not to execute anyone for an offence committed when they were under the age of 18. Nevertheless, as documented by Amnesty International, Iran has executed at least 159 people last year, including three child offenders. Amnesty International has recorded ten executions of child offenders in Iran since 1990, including Atefeh Rajabi, reportedly aged 16, who was hanged after a grossly unfair trial where doubts regarding her mental state appeared to have been ignored.
In January 2005, the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child urged Iran to immediately suspend the execution of all death penalties imposed on persons for having committed a crime before the age of 18, and to abolish the death penalty as a sentence imposed on persons for having committed crimes before the age of 18, as required by article 37 of the Convention. It also deplored the fact that such executions continue — including one such execution on the day of the examination of the current report. UN Watch joins Amnesty International’s call for Iran to stop executing child offenders and abide by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) to which it is a state party; and urges the Iranian authorities to take immediate steps to halt and abolish the imposition of the death penalty for crimes committed by persons under 18.[...]"

Document(s): Open document

04.03.2005 - Source: UN Human Rights Council (formerly UN Commission on Human Rights)

Written statement by the International Federation for Human Rights Leagues (FIDH) on freedom of expression, torture, women rights, discrimination against minorities and the death penalty ("Question of the violation of human rights and fundamental freedoms in any part of the world [E/CN.4/2005/NGO/158]") [#30291],  [ID 8521]

"[...]The statistics regarding executions are confidential, which makes any assessment difficult. Part of them are carried out in public. Emaddedin Baghi, based on news published in the press, assesses that 116 persons were executed between March 2003 and March 2004, among which two minors. In 2004, the local media reported a total of more than 100 executions. 25 minors have been condemned to death in 2004, and at least two of them were executed, a girl of 16 years old, and a boy who was executed when he reached 18 years old.
At the end of October, a Justice department spokesperson said that a bill would be presented in Parliament abolishing the death penalty and lashing for offenders who were below 18 years old when they committed the crime. However, the Bill has not been adopted yet.
In contradiction with those stated intentions, in November 2004 the permit to hold a meeting in Tehran against the capital punishment for juveniles was denied by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.[...]"

Document(s): Open document

28.02.2005 - Source: US Department of State

Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2004 ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2004") [#29525],  [ID 8523]

"[...]In November 2002, academic Hashem Aghajari was sentenced to death at a closed trial for blaspheming against Islam during a speech in Hamedan. In addition to the death sentence, he was sentenced to 74 lashes, exile to a remote desert location, 8 years in jail, and a ban on teaching for 10 years. In February 2003, the Supreme Court revoked his death sentence, but the case was sent back to the lower court for retrial. In June, the Government announced that the Supreme Court overturned his death sentence. As a result of a retrial in July, the sentence was reduced to 3 years in prison and 2 years suspended sentence in prison, in addition to 5 years "deprivation of social rights." Aghajari was released on bail on July 31 and has announced that he will challenge the court's decision to bar him from publishing articles and speaking in public. [...]"

Document(s): Open document

25.01.2005 - Source: Amnesty International

Man sentenced to death for his part in the January 2001 attempted hijacking of a 30-seater passenger aircraft; he was scheduled to hang on 19 January, but the Head of the Judiciary ordered a stay of execution the previous day, apparently to allow lawyers to appeal ("Iran - UA 21/05") [#28488],  [ID 8524]

Document(s): Open document
Open document

19.01.2005 - Source: Amnesty International

16-year-old student may be at risk of imminent execution for the murder of another student in his high school, which took place between mid-January and mid-February 2003 ("Iran - UA 14/05") [#28345],  [ID 8525]

Document(s): Open document

18.01.2005 - Source: BBC News

The head of country's judiciary intervened to prevent 4 convicted hijackers from being executed; 2 of the hijackers were under 18 at the time of the attempted hijacking ("Iran hijackers escape execution") [#28340],  [ID 8526]

Document(s): Open document

13.01.2005 - Source: BBC News

Woman sentenced to death for killing a police official she said had tried to rape her, pardoned after victim's family agreed to accept compensation instead of seeking her execution ("Iranian rape case woman pardoned") [#28253],  [ID 8527]

Document(s): Open document

11.01.2005 - Source: Amnesty International

Leyla Mafi, who was sentenced to death for "morality-related" offences arising from her being forced into prostitution as a child, is no longer in imminent danger of execution ("Iran - Further Information on UA 332/04") [#28176],  [ID 8528]

Document(s): Open document

19.11.2004 - Source: Amnesty International

Teheran: 9 juveniles reportedly have been sentenced to death; they are at risk of imminent execution ("Iran - UA 315/04") [#27286],  [ID 8529]

Document(s): Open document

14.10.2004 - Source: BBC News

Man sentenced to death for his role in the serial killings of 20 people ("Iran child killer to be executed") [#26410],  [ID 8530]

Document(s): Open document

08.10.2004 - Source: Amnesty International

Woman reportedly sentenced to death for killing her husband ("Sentenced to death for killing abusive husband") [#26326],  [ID 8531]

Document(s): Open document

07.10.2004 - Source: Amnesty International

Woman sentenced to death for the murder of her husband, who allegedly tried to rape her daughter from a previous marriage; she is at risk of imminent execution ("Iran - UA 281/04") [#26206],  [ID 8532]

Document(s): Open document

06.09.2004 - Source: Amnesty International

16 year old Afghan national reportedly sentenced to death by a juvenile court in Karaz; while in detention he confessed to transporting morphine but the cirumstances of the confessions remain unknown ("Iran - UA 262/04") [#25400],  [ID 8533]

Document(s): Open document

03.09.2004 - Source: Amnesty International

Amnesty International and medical experts from 7 countries have sent an open letter to the heads of government in China, Pakistan, the DR Congo, the Philippines, Iran, Sudan and the USA urging them to stop using the death penalty against children ("World: International medical experts urge an end to child executions") [#25321],  [ID 8534]

Document(s): Open document

24.08.2004 - Source: Amnesty International

Member of the Komala party at imminent risk of execution after the death sentence against him was reportedly upheld by the five judges of Branch 32 of the Supreme Court; he was arrested after an unfair trial and also allegedly tortured during his detention ("Iran - Further Information on UA 236/03") [#24989],  [ID 8535]

Document(s): Open document
Open document

20.08.2004 - Source: Amnesty International

Man who was accused of aiding the banned opposition group, Peoples' Mojahedin of Iran (PMOI), in placing a bomb outside an unspecified Revolutionary Court reportedly forced to return to Iran from Turkey in November 2003/ there are concerns that he is now facing execution following a trial in Tehran ("Iran - Further Information on UA 318/03") [#24941],  [ID 8536]

Document(s): Open document
Open document

02.08.2004 - Source: Amnesty International

Iran's Supreme Court quashed death sentence of woman convicted of murder of senior police official, who had tried to rape her; Supreme Court "found deficiencies in her case" ("Iran - Further Information on EXTRA 44/03") [#24384],  [ID 8537]

Document(s): Open document

31.07.2004 - Source: BBC News

Leading Iranian dissident Hashem Aghajari, who spent two years in jail facing the death penalty for blasphemy, has been freed on bail ("Iranian dissident freed on bail") [#24418],  [ID 8538]

Document(s): Open document

27.07.2004 - Source: BBC News

Woman convicted of killing an intelligence officer she claimed tried to rape her, has had her death sentence quashed ("Iran 'killer of rapist' reprieved") [#24314],  [ID 8539]

Document(s): Open document

09.06.2004 - Source: Asian Centre for Human Rights

Death penalty continues to be awarded despite absence of sufficient procedural safeguards; documented in the case of Hashem Aghajari ("EU-Iran Dialogue on Human Rights: One step forward, two steps back (ACHRF/24/04)") [#23237],  [ID 8540]

"The death penalty also continues to be awarded despite the absence of sufficient procedural safeguards and the recent death sentence to academic Hashem Aghajari must be raised with the authorities in Tehran. In November 2002, academic Hashem Aghajari was sentenced to death at a closed trial for the crime of blasphemy against Islam during a speech in Hamedan. In addition to the death sentence, he was sentenced to 74 lashes, exile to a remote desert location, 8 years in jail, and a ban on teaching for 10 years. In February 2003, the Supreme Court revoked his death sentence, but the case was sent back to the lower court for retrial. On 3 May 2004, the court in Hamedan province has upheld its original verdict and sent the case back to the higher court. Mr Aghajari is currently being held in Evin prison in Tehran."

Document(s): Open document

01.06.2004 - Source: BBC News

Supreme Court has again quashed death sentence against dissident academic Hashem Aghajari ("Iran dissident sentence revoked") [#22999],  [ID 8541]

"He was sentenced to death for apostasy in 2002 after denouncing Iran's mullahs and calling for "religious renewal". The sentence sparked the largest student protest for years, and it was later overturned by the Supreme Court. The sentence was sent back twice to the regional court that first imposed it, but the court simply restated its original verdict both times."

Document(s): Open document

10.05.2004 - Source: BBC News

The death sentence imposed on liberal Iranian academic Hashem Aghajari, charged with blasphemy, has been confirmed ("Iran critic faces death penalty") [#22200],  [ID 8542]

Document(s): Open document

03.05.2004 - Source: BBC News

Hamedan province: regional court has reimposed the death penalty on a prominent dissident sentenced for apostasy ("Iran dissident faces death again") [#21917],  [ID 8543]

Document(s): Open document

25.02.2004 - Source: US Department of State

Application of the death penalty following trials without sufficient procedural safeguards ("Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2003") [#19747],  [ID 8544]

"There were reports of political killings. The Government was responsible for numerous killings during the year, including executions following trials in which there was a lack of due process. Government affiliated vigilante groups also were responsible for extrajudicial killings.

The law criminalized dissent and applied the death penalty to offenses such as "attempts against the security of the State, outrage against high-ranking officials, and insults against the memory of Imam Khomeini and against the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic." Citizens continued to be tried and sentenced to death in the absence of sufficient procedural safeguards.

Exiles and human rights monitors alleged that many of those supposedly executed for criminal offenses, such as narcotics trafficking, actually were political dissidents. Supporters of outlawed political groups, or in the case of the Mujahedin-e Khalq, a terrorist organization, were believed to constitute a large number of those executed each year. [...]

In November, four men were reportedly sentenced to death by stoning for involvement in kidnapping and rape. In December 2002, the Government officially suspended the practices of amputation and lapidation or stoning--a form of capital punishment for adultery and other crimes, although the law has not been rescinded. [...]

The security forces often did not inform family members of a prisoner's welfare and location. Authorities often denied visits by family members and legal counsel. In addition, families of executed prisoners did not always receive notification of the prisoners' deaths. Those who did receive such information reportedly were forced on occasion to pay the Government to retrieve the body of their relative. [...]

In November 2002, academic Hashem Aghajari was sentenced to death at a closed trial for the crime of blaspheming against Islam during a speech in Hamedan. In addition to the death sentence, he was sentenced to 74 lashes, exile to a remote desert location, 8 years in jail, and a ban on teaching for 10 years. The death sentence was widely denounced both domestically and abroad. President Khatami and hundreds of Majlis members questioned the verdict. In February, the Supreme Court revoked his death sentence, but the case was sent back to the lower court for retrial. No verdict was issued by year's end (see Section 2.b.). [...]

The Government did not ensure the right of citizens to change or recant their religion. Apostasy, specifically conversion from Islam, is punishable by death. [...]

The Penal Code includes provisions for the stoning of women and men convicted of adultery, although judges were instructed at the end of 2002 to cease imposing such sentences (see Section 1.c.)."

Document(s): Open document

04.02.2004 - Source: Amnesty International

Qazvin: woman, who was sentenced to execution and flogging in connection with running a brothel, was hanged ("Iran - Further Information on UA 11/04") [#19165],  [ID 8545]

Document(s): Open document
Open document

03.02.2004 - Source: Amnesty International

Woman, convicted of murdering a man she apparently planned to marry, sentenced to death/ she may be executed at any time ("Iran - UA 34/04") [#19160],  [ID 8546]

Document(s): Open document

12.01.2004 - Source: Amnesty International

Woman and her husband reportedly sentenced to death in connection with running a brothel/ one of them is to be stoned to death, which amounts to torture, and both are to be flogged ("Iran - UA 11/04") [#18686],  [ID 8547]

Document(s): Open document
Open document

15.12.2003 - Source: Amnesty International

Woman at risk of imminent execution/ she was sentenced to death for the premeditated murder of her mother-in-law in 2000, and her husband, the victim's son, has demanded that the death sentence be carried out ("Iran - UA 364/03") [#18266],  [ID 8548]

Document(s): Open document

19.11.2003 - Source: Amnesty International

7 women who allegedly showed disrespect during the month of Ramadan sentenced to 50 lashes in Shiraz; 4 men sentenced to death by stoning by a court in Mashhad ("Iran: Alarming spiral of human rights violations mar positive steps") [#17730],  [ID 8549]

Document(s): Open document

18.11.2003 - Source: Amnesty International

4 men sentenced to death by stoning/ they are reportedly part of the group associated with the "Plum Garden Case" which carried out the kidnappings and rapes of a number of women and young girls in Mashhad ("Iran - UA 337/03") [#17704],  [ID 8550]

Document(s): Open document

23.10.2003 - Source: Amnesty International

Following national and international pressure, the Head of the Judiciary, Ayatollah Hashemi Shahroudi, has reportedly ordered that the execution of Afsaneh Norouzi should be delayed ("Iran - Further Information on EXTRA 44/03") [#17063],  [ID 8551]

Document(s): Open document
Open document

10.10.2003 - Source: Amnesty International

10.10.2003 - AI: 83 executions so far this year in Iran recorded; the true figure may be much higher ("Death Penalty: Cases and developments 2003 [ACT 50/011/2003]") [#16673],  [ID 8552]

Document(s): Open document

28.05.2003 - Source: Amnesty International

The death penalty and cruel, inhuman and degrading punishments were used against people charged for trying to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and association ("Annual Report 2003") [#13028],  [ID 8553]

"The death penalty and cruel, inhuman and degrading punishments were used against people charged for trying to exercise their rights to freedom of expression and association. At least 113 people, including six women, were executed, many in public. At least two people were reportedly executed by stoning and at least one execution was broadcast on television. As in previous years, there was a surge in public executions and floggings between July and September. At least 84 people were flogged. The true numbers of executions and floggings may have been considerably higher. Political organizations, for example, reported that 450 people were executed in 2002.
In April, Ali Firouzi, convicted of murder, was pardoned by the victim's parents minutes before his scheduled execution in Qom, central Iran. The parents reportedly changed their minds shortly afterwards and he was executed 90 minutes later.
Five men, reportedly members of a gang known as the Black Vultures, who had been convicted of numerous offences, were hanged simultaneously at two public locations in Tehran on 30 September. The executions caused renewed debate about the use of the death penalty.
Hoseyn Mojahed and Mojtaba Heydari, pro-reform activists who were tried prior to Hashem Aghajari (see above), were sentenced in September to prison terms and 74 lashes."

Document(s): Open document
Open document Open document

31.03.2003 - Source: US Department of State

Executions took place in public, contrary to regulations, and state television broadcasted scenes from hangings on at least two occasions during 2001 ("Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2002") [#11869],  [ID 8554]

"A November 1995 law criminalized dissent and applied the death penalty to offenses such as "attempts against the security of the State, outrage against high-ranking officials, and insults against the memory of Imam Khomeini and against the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic." Citizens continued to be tried and sentenced to death in the absence of sufficient procedural safeguards. Although domestic press stopped reporting most executions, according to international reports they continued in substantial numbers. No figures were available for the year. The UNSR, based on media reports, cited an estimated 60 executions from January through July 2001, a decrease from 130 during the same period the year before. The Government did not cooperate in providing the UNSR with a precise number of executions carried out in 2001.

During the period on which he reported, the UNSR reported that approximately two thirds of the executions took place in public, contrary to regulations, and that state television broadcasted scenes from hangings on at least two occasions during 2001. He also noted that a woman was hanged publicly in March 2001. Exiles and human rights monitors alleged that many of those executed for criminal offenses, such as narcotics trafficking, actually were political dissidents. Supporters of outlawed political organizations, such as the Mujahedin-e-Khalq organization, were believed to make up a large number of those executed each year.

Press reports indicated that three men were publicly hanged in January for the crimes of murder and rape. Reportedly, five men convicted of a series of attacks on women in Tehran were publicly executed during the year, and their bodies driven through the city on mobile cranes.

The Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI), an opposition party, alleged that the Government arrested Habibullah Tanhaeyan from the city of Sanandaj on December 11, and executed him on December 15 after four days of interrogation and torture. The PDKI also reported the execution of one of its members, Karim Toujali, in January, and of four Kurdish political prisoners in October. Other sources claimed the number executed in October was three or five. The party said that the prisoners were tortured before they were executed. The Society for the Defense of Human Rights in Iran (SDHRI) claimed that the families of the executed prisoners were not informed of either their trials or their convictions, and that the prisoners were tortured before they were executed. SDHRI confirmed the PDKI's report that the bodies were turned over to them only on condition that they be buried at night and without ceremony. The PDKI claimed that 12 of the 110 party members remaining in jail at the end of the year were sentenced to death."

Document(s): Open document

21.02.2003 - Source: Amnesty International

Sasan Al-e Kena'n executed in Sanandaj; he had been sentenced to death for sheltering members of the Komala party ("UA 49/03-1 (further information on ua from 19/3/2003, #10990)") [#11558],  [ID 8555]

Document(s): Open document

20.02.2003 - Source: Amnesty International

Sasan Al-e Kena'n sentenced to death in connection with allegations of "sheltering and hiding members of the unauthorized Komala party in Sanandaj and with moharebeh, or enmity against God"/ 2 other alleged members of Komala sentenced to 10 year prison on similar charges ("Iran - UA 49/03") [#10990],  [ID 8556]

Document(s): Open document

17.02.2003 - Source: BBC News

University professor Hashem Aghajari, whose death sentence for apostasy was quashed last week, is to be retried by the same court that ordered his execution ("Iran academic sent back to death court") [#10927],  [ID 8557]

Document(s): Open document

10.2002 - Source: UK Border Agency (Home Office)

UK Home Office: Death sentence continued to be carried out throughout 2002 ("Country Assessment - October 2002") [#9556],  [ID 8558]

"4.20. During 1996, at least 110 people, including political prisoners, were executed. 200 public executions were reported by the state media in 1995.Also see paragraphs 5.9-5.20.) Hangings within prisons such as Quasar of men detained for several years on charges of espionage during the Iran-Iraq war took place in early 1995.

4.21. During 2000 at least 75 executions were reported and 16 death sentences imposed, often in connection with murder charges were reported. Death sentence continued to be carried ou throughout 2002 for example 5 drug smugglers were hanged in a prison at Mashad on 20 May 2002 and the previous week 4 people were hanged inside Tehran's Qasr prison. On 29 September 2002 5 members of a band "the black vultures"convicted convicted of rape were hung, in public.

[...]

4.25. The Iranian authorities have said that many of the executions conducted in Iran relate to drug trafficking offences, but no corroborative statistics or information on the protection of human rights policies in dealing with such offenders is available. Numbers of stoning and deaths as a consequence are unclear, though most take place in the larger cities such as Teheran, Hamedan, Isfahan and Kermanshah. All are endorsed by the Supreme Court, including stoning of women found guilty of sexual relations outside marriage.

4.26. However, the Iranian Foreign Ministry states that whilst execution is in Islamic law and cannot be overturned, the government is looking to alternative forms of punishment to stoning. In November 1997 an individual stoned to near death three months earlier was released after widespread international condemnation of the punishment. Western human rights groups recognised that no (public) stoning were carried out in 1998 until a non-fatal stoning took place in Lahijan in late November. The subject was acquitted after he managed to free himself as the sentence was being carried out. Two public stonings were carried out in May 2001 of women accused of adultery and acting in a pornagraphic movie respectively."

Document(s): Open document

29.09.2002 - Source: BBC News

BBC: 5 men, arrested after abducting, raping and robbing women in wealthy areas of Tehran, were publicly hanged ("Iran hangs rapists in public") [#8774],  [ID 8560]

"Large crowds have attended public executions in the Iranian capital Tehran - a rare spectacle under reformist President Mohammad Khatami.
Five men, nicknamed the Black Vultures, were hanged from cranes at two sites in the capital, watched by thousands of people. The five had been convicted of vicious attacks on women across Tehran. A sixth man was given a 20-year prison sentence. [...] Three of the five - Payam Amini, Amir Karbalai and Majid Qasemi - were hanged in the north-eastern Lavizan district.
The other two - Amir Fakhri and Farhad Aqnarian - were executed at a bus station in the west of the city.
The five men were arrested in December 2001 after The five men were arrested in December 2001 after abducting, raping and robbing women in wealthy areas of Tehran.
Officials have not indicated how many women the gang attacked."

Document(s): Open document

24.09.2002 - Source: Amnesty International

Amnesty International - Urgent Action: 2 men at risk of execution, both after being convicted in connection with the murder of a security official resp. a security guard ("Iran - EXTRA 74/02") [#8699],  [ID 8561]

"Amnesty International fears that Hashem or Hassan, Rahim Rahmani and at least four others are at risk of imminent execution.

According to the 19 September edition of the daily Tos'eh (Development) newspaper, Rahim Rahmani was sentenced to death around September 2000 in connection with the murder of a security official at the Boustan Trade Centre. He reportedly later confessed to having committed the crime. The same newspaper reported that Hassan was convicted in connection with the murder of a security guard at Jamshidiya Park. On the same day, however, the newspaper E'temad (Trust) reported that Hashem, an individual involved in the same incident, was sentenced to death for this crime. It is unclear whether it is Hassan or Hashem who may face execution. The death sentences have reportedly been upheld by the Supreme Court and are expected to be carried out imminently."

Document(s): Open document

28.05.2002 - Source: Amnesty International

Amnesty International: At least 139 people, including one minor, were executed, at least two by stoning and one by beheading, in 2001 ("Annual report 2002") [#7236],  [ID 8562]

"At least 139 people, including one minor, were executed, at least two by stoning and one by beheading. At least 285 individuals were flogged. The true figures may have been considerably higher.

A surge in public executions and floggings between July and September provoked intense debate on the role of such punishments, which have often been carried out on young people and occasionally minors."

Document(s): Open document

04.03.2002 - Source: US Department of State

US State Department: Citizens continued to be tried and sentenced to death in the absence of sufficient procedural safeguards ("Annual report 2001") [#5823],  [ID 8559]

"Citizens continued to be tried and sentenced to death in the absence of sufficient procedural safeguards. In 1992 the domestic press stopped reporting most executions; however, executions continue in substantial numbers, according to U.N. and other reporting. The UNSR, based on media reports, cited an estimated 60 executions from January through July, down from 130 during the same period last year. The Government has not cooperated in providing the UNSR with a precise number of executions carried out. The UNSR reported that approximately two thirds of the executions took place in public, contrary to regulations, and that state television broadcasted scenes from hangings on at least two occasions during the year. He also noted that a woman was hanged publicly on March 19, a very rare event in the Islamic republic. Exiles and human rights monitors allege that many of those executed for criminal offenses, such as narcotics trafficking, actually are political dissidents. Supporters of outlawed political organizations, such as the Mujahedin-e Khalq organization, are believed to make up a large number of those executed each year.

A November 1995 law criminalized dissent and applied the death penalty to offenses such as "attempts against the security of the State, outrage against high-ranking Iranian officials, and insults against the memory of Imam Khomeini and against the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic.""

Document(s): Open document

16.01.2002 - Source: UN Human Rights Council (formerly UN Commission on Human Rights)

Within two months up to 20 public executions ("Report on the situation of human rights in the Islamic Republic of Iran, prepared by the Special Representative of the Commission on Human Rights, Mr. Maurice Danby Copithorne, pursuant to Commission resolution 2001/17 (E/CN.4/2002/42)") [#5732],  [ID 8564]

"28. Towards mid-September the use of public floggings in Tehran appeared to die down
somewhat but reports of public floggings in the provinces continued at least until the end of
October. An international NGO recorded some 270 floggings to 22 October 2001, with some of
the victims being as young as 14.
29. The same NGO had recorded 125 executions to 29 October 2001. The best information
available to the Special Representative is that close to 20 public executions occurred in the
two months to the end of August. One of these, very unusually, was of a woman convicted of
murder."

Document(s): sr-irn-0102.pdf
Open document

11.2001 - Source: Austrian Centre for Country of Origin and Asylum Research and Documentation

ACCORD: List of offences for which the death penalty can be carried out ("7th European Country of Origin Information Seminar Berlin, 11 - 12 June 2001: Final Report - Iran") [#7661],  [ID 8565]

"According to Amnesty International in 1999 there were 165 executions, many related to drug trafficking. The UN Special Representative on Iran estimated that 130 executions occurred from January 2000 to end July 2000. In 1998 a serial killer in Tehran was executed by hanging. The media emotionally followed the case and the execution was a very public affair. In August 1998 one of the Baha’is in detention, Ruhollah Rowhani, was executed after the death sentence was confirmed by the Supreme Court. This was initially denied by the Iranian Government, which later had to admit that Mr. Rowhani had indeed been executed.

By Law the death penalty can be carried out for offenses such as espionage, murder, armed robbery, abduction, rape, adultery or incest, sexual intercourse between a non- Muslim man and a Muslim woman, homosexual intercourse, drug smuggling, the use of arms to spread fear or alarm among the people or deprive them of their freedom or security, or the spreading of corruption on earth (mofsed).

A famous case was that of the German businessman Helmut Hofer, who was sentenced to death in January 1998 for having had sexual relations with a Muslim woman, and who was later released. (see UNHCR Background Paper) The issue was of particular interest as it came after the Mykonos trial in which a German Court accused Iran’s highest officials of responsibility in the killing of four Iranian opposition figures in Germany. Hofer was eventually released. The release is said to have coincided with the release of an Iranian accused of spying in Germany. As already mentioned, the cleric Eshkevari was recently sentenced to death after his arrest upon return from participation in the Berlin Conference, a sentence which was later overturned.

In 2000, at least 75 executions were reported and 16 death sentences imposed, often in connection with murder charges. However, the true number may have been considerably higher. The Head of the Judiciary announced in January 2001 that 800 people were on death row following their convictions for drug trafficking. Death sentences passed after the unfair trials of Akbar Mohammadi, Ahmad Batebi, Mehrdad Sohrabi and Abbas Deldar, who had been detained following the student demonstrations in July 1999, were commuted on 30 April. (AIR)

On 21 May 2001, in what seemed a purely political case, a former member of the Iranian airforce, was imprisoned, convicted and executed for espionage. The number of executions recorded by Amnesty International in Iran until June 2001 has reached 44, although the true figure may be much higher.

The use of the death sentence is, however, not undisputed and there are indications of dissent: Following the end of their trial in January 2001, 15 secret service agents were convicted of murdering four political activists and writers in 1998. The verdicts passed by a military court included three death sentences and five life imprisonment terms; seven defendants were sentenced to between two and 10 years in prison; three others were acquitted. All fifteen appealed to the Supreme Court against their convictions. Relatives of several of the victims rejected the death sentences saying that they were seeking truth rather than vengeance, and complained that the full truth about the murders had still not been revealed. Although the Ministry of Intelligence admitted that a network of ”rogue” agents was responsible for the murders, it denied that they were carried out with the knowledge of senior officials. The closed-door hearings and the failure of the prosecutors to indict, or at least summon as witnesses, any high-ranking officials has angered reformist groups, who suspect a cover-up.

As a reaction to the public debate, there have also been attempts to silence voices of criticism. Three journalists, Mashallah Shamsolvaezin (Asr-e Azadegan, Neshat - 30 months), Latif Safari (Neshat - 30 months) and Emadeddin Baghi (Fat'h, Neshat - 3 years), who discussed the death penalty in the press, have been imprisoned for insulting Islam."

Document(s): cois2001-irn.pdf

17.08.2001 - Source: Amnesty International

Amnesty International: In the last two days alone, more than ten men have been hanged, some of them in public and some for offences which had no lethal consequences ("Iran: Halt the surge of executions") [#3657],  [ID 8566]

"In the last two days alone, more than ten men have been hanged, some of them in public and some for offences which had no lethal consequences. According to media reports from Iran, 100 death sentences have been upheld in the Supreme Court this week alone and many more executions may be imminent.
[...]
During one public execution in south eastern Tehran on Wednesday, Iranian police fired tear gas into the crowd as they threw sticks and stones in an attempt to prevent the hanging and reportedly appeal for clemency."

Document(s): Open document

17.08.2001 - Source: Neue Zürcher Zeitung

Krawalle bei öffentlicher Hinrichtung in Iran ("Krawalle bei öffentlicher Hinrichtung in Iran") [#3546],  [ID 8567]

Document(s): j239.htm
Open document

13.08.2001 - Source: Amnesty International

Amnesty International: Number of executions reported in Iran has recently increased dramatically ("Iran - UA 53/01") [#3470],  [ID 8568]

"Reza Nadi and Kazem Alayemi have been convicted of murder, and will be hanged on 15 August, unless they are pardoned by the Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, or by the victims' families. This pardon can be given at any time until the moment of execution.

Iran's Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported today that the two men would be publicly hanged in the city of Mashhad. The Supreme Court has reportedly upheld both men's death sentences.
[...]
The number of executions reported in Iran has recently increased dramatically. At least eight people have reportedly been put to death in August alone, although the true figure may be much higher."

Document(s): 00540ira.htm
Open document