Iran Executes 163 People in May, a 143% Increase from Previous Year

Iran executed at least 163 prisoners in May, marking a 143 percent increase from the 67 executions recorded in May 2024, according to a human rights organization.

The Hengaw Organization for Human Rights confirmed the identities of 157 executed prisoners.

Among them was political prisoner Pedram Madani from Tehran, who had been sentenced to death on espionage charges for allegedly spying for Israel.

At least five women were executed in various prisons located in Qazvin, Damghan, Gorgan, Shiraz, and Ghezelhesar in Karaj.

Three had been convicted of homicide, while the other two faced drug-related charges.

One juvenile offender was also executed. Mohammadreza Sabzi, 20, from Malayer, was put to death at the city’s central prison for a murder committed when he was 16 years old.

Of the 163 executions in May, only six were officially reported by Iranian state media or judiciary-affiliated websites.

According to the human rights group, four executions were carried out in secret, without prior notice to the families or opportunities for final visits.

Iran has one of the highest execution rates in the world. The country routinely imposes the death penalty for drug offenses, murder, and other crimes, including politically motivated charges.