Iran executions double to 625 as parliament mulls harsher espionage penalties
The United Nations said executions so far this year stand at 625, at the least, more than double the number for the same period last year.
The United Nations on Monday sounded the alarm on the surge in executions in Iran, with double the number of people put to death so far this year compared to the same period last year, amid fears of even more executions as the parliament considers a bill proposing harsher penalties for espionage and collaboration with hostile states.
OHCHR, the UN Human Rights Office, has compiled information indicating that at least 625 people were executed Iran in the first half of 2025, compared to 297 during the first half of 2024.
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk said in a press release on Monday that the rising number of executions “underscore how deeply disturbing the situation has become,” adding that a ban was urgently needed on the use of the death penalty in Iran.
“It is alarming to see the reports that indicate there are at least 48 people currently on death row — 12 of whom are believed to be at imminent risk of execution,” Türk said.
