Iran Executes 31 Women in 2024, Highest in 17 Years

Authorities of the Islamic Republic executed thirty-one women in 2024, marking the highest annual number in 17 years, according to a human rights organization.

The women were mostly executed for murder or drug-related offenses, according to a report released on Monday by the Iran Human Rights Organization.

The executions reached this peak just two years after the start of the Woman, Life, Freedom protests.

Kurdish activists Varisheh Moradi and Pakhshan Azizi are among an undisclosed number of women currently on death row facing imminent execution.

The organization reported that Iranian authorities executed at least 241 women between 2010 and 2024, mostly for murder or drug-related offenses.

Nine were victims of child marriage, including three who were under 18 when their alleged crimes occurred.

Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, Director of Iran Human Rights, said, “The execution of women in Iran not only shows the cruel and inhumane nature of the death penalty but also exposes the deep-rooted gender discrimination and inequality within the judicial system.”