Over 60 executed in Iran in July: Watchdog

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iran carried out the death sentence of more than 60 people during the month of July, over 50 percent of which were executed on drug-related charges, a human rights watchdog reported on Monday.

At least 61 executions were recorded across Iran in July by the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, an increase from June’s 52. The Islamic republic carried out at least four public executions during the previous month.

At least 12 Baluchis, 11 Kurds, nine Turks, and four Afghanis were among those executed in July, according to the report. The death sentence of at least three political prisoners was carried out.

31 people were executed on drug-related charges, 22 for deliberate murder, and five for sexual assault, the report added. 

Iran executed at least 576 people last year, a significant increase from 314 in 2021, making it the country with the second highest rate of known executions during 2022, according to the annual report from Amnesty International. Executions for drug-related offences increased by 93 percent.

This year, after last fall's widespread demonstrations and a crackdown on the drug trade, Iran has carried out an alarming number of executions. The Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) estimated more than 350 people were executed in the first six months of 2023.

Most of those who are executed in Iran are convicted based on confessions that are condemned by rights groups who say they are often obtained under duress.