UK and Australia Condemn Iran’s Escalating Use of Death Penalty and Crackdown on Human Rights
Hussain Hazbavi 
The defense and foreign ministers of Australia and the United Kingdom have strongly criticized Iran for its increasing use of the death penalty and continued repression of women, girls, and human rights activists.
In a joint statement following high-level talks in Sydney on Friday, the ministers condemned Iran’s “unjust detention of foreign nationals” and voiced alarm over the worsening human rights situation in the country.
The statement specifically denounced “the escalation of the use of the death penalty as a political tool during the 12-day conflict [with Israel], and the ongoing repression of women, girls, and human rights defenders.”
Iran’s harsh internal policies have come under renewed scrutiny following recent mass arrests. Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei announced Wednesday that around 2,000 people had been detained during and after the 12-day war with Israel. Some of those arrested, accused of collaborating with Israel, may face capital punishment.
“Some of these individuals face severe punishments, including the death penalty, while others may receive lighter sentences,” Ejei told state television.
The joint UK-Australia statement reflects growing international concern over Iran’s use of executions and political repression as tools of control amid ongoing regional tensions.
