Iran Executes 152 People in May Alone, Marking a 96% Surge in Executions Compared to Last Year

At least 152 prisoners were executed across Iran in May, bringing the total number of executions in the first five months of 2025 to 511 — a staggering 96% increase compared to the same period in 2024, which saw 261 executions.

According to a report released on June 2 by the Iran Human Rights Organization, the executed individuals in May included 19 Baluch citizens, 9 Kurds, 5 Afghan nationals, 4 women, 2 Arab citizens, 1 Turkmen, and 1 unidentified foreign national.

Of those executed last month, 68 were convicted on drug-related charges, 74 for murder, six for rape, and four on politically charged or security-related accusations, including “waging war against God,” “corruption on earth,” rebellion, and espionage for Israel.

Despite the high numbers, only 15 of the executions — roughly 10% — were reported by Iranian state media. One execution was carried out publicly.

Since the beginning of 2025, a total of 511 executions have been recorded. Of these, only 28 were officially announced, while the remaining 483 were carried out in secret, reflecting a continued pattern of opaque judicial practices.

The report details that among those executed since January were 16 women, 32 Afghan nationals, and one other foreign citizen. Two executions were conducted in public.

The charges leading to these executions include 244 for drug offenses, 233 for murder, 16 for crimes labeled as “waging war” or “corruption on earth,” and 16 for rape.

This alarming surge in executions underscores the escalating use of capital punishment by the Iranian regime, often shrouded in secrecy and targeting marginalized groups.