kathimerini.gr
Iran's 2024 Executions Reach Highest Number Since 2008
Two human rights organizations reported that Iran executed at least 975 people in 2024, a 17% increase from 2023 and the highest number since 2008, citing the regime's use of capital punishment as a tool of political repression, particularly in response to the 2022 nationwide protests.
- What is the immediate impact of Iran's drastic increase in executions in 2024?
- Iran executed at least 975 people in 2024, a 17% increase from 2023 and the highest number since 2008, according to a report by IHR and Together Against the Death Penalty. This represents an average of five executions per day in the last quarter of the year. Four executions were public, and 31 of the victims were women.
- How does Iran's use of capital punishment relate to the 2022 protests and the broader political landscape?
- The surge in executions reflects Iran's use of capital punishment as a tool of political repression, particularly in response to the 2022 nationwide protests. The report highlights the problematic trials and alleged torture of some condemned, such as Mohammad Ghobadlou and Gholamreza Rasai, both executed for their involvement in the protests. This increase coincides with heightened tensions between Iran and Israel.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of Iran's continued reliance on the death penalty, both domestically and internationally?
- The continued high number of executions in Iran, despite international condemnation, suggests a hardening of the regime's stance against dissent. The use of vaguely defined charges like "corruption on earth" and "rebellion" allows for the arbitrary targeting of opponents. The escalating death toll foreshadows further human rights abuses and potential international consequences.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The headline and introductory paragraph immediately frame the narrative as an "appalling escalation" and use strong condemnatory language ("frikty klimakwnisi", "basic tool of political repression"). This sets a highly critical tone from the outset and may predispose readers to a negative view of Iran's actions before presenting all the details. The report prioritizes the sheer number of executions, emphasizing the increase compared to previous years, further reinforcing the negative framing.
Language Bias
The report employs highly charged language such as "appalling escalation," "frikty klimakwnisi," and "basic tool of political repression." These terms convey strong negative emotions and pre-judge the actions of the Iranian government. More neutral language could include phrases like "increase in executions," "use of capital punishment," and "method of political control." The consistent use of strong condemnation throughout the piece reinforces this bias.
Bias by Omission
The report focuses heavily on the number of executions and the methods used, but lacks detailed information on the legal processes involved in each case. While it mentions problematic trials and allegations of torture, it does not provide comprehensive details of the legal proceedings, evidence presented, or judgments delivered. The omission of this context limits the reader's ability to form a fully informed opinion on the fairness and legality of the executions. Additionally, the report doesn't delve into the Iranian government's perspective or official statements on the matter, potentially hindering a balanced understanding.
False Dichotomy
The report presents a stark contrast between the Iranian government's actions and the views of human rights organizations, but doesn't explore potential nuances or complexities. It frames the situation as a clear-cut case of human rights abuses without thoroughly examining alternative perspectives or mitigating factors that might exist within the Iranian legal system or political context.
Gender Bias
The report notes that 31 of the executed were women, highlighting this as the highest number in 17 years. While this statistic is important, the report doesn't analyze the types of crimes for which women were executed or whether gender played a role in sentencing. Further analysis is needed to determine whether gender bias influenced the application of the death penalty.
Sustainable Development Goals
The execution of at least 975 people in Iran in 2024 represents a severe violation of human rights and undermines the rule of law, directly contradicting SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice for all and building effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. The use of the death penalty as a tool of political repression further exacerbates the situation.