Iran's Public Hangings: A Brutal Reality

The human rights landscape in Iran has long been a subject of intense international scrutiny, particularly concerning its pervasive use of capital punishment. Among the most chilling aspects of this practice is the disturbing prevalence of public executions, a method that not only ends lives but also serves as a public spectacle of state power and intimidation. The term "hanging Iran" has become synonymous with a grim reality, reflecting a nation where the gallows are frequently deployed, often in full view of the populace, drawing widespread condemnation from global human rights organizations and bodies.

This article delves into the harrowing details surrounding capital punishment in Iran, exploring the alarming statistics, the methods employed, the identities of those targeted, and the international outcry that continues to mount. By examining recent reports and historical context, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of a practice that remains a significant stain on Iran's human rights record, highlighting the urgent need for global attention and action.

The Alarming Rise of Executions in Iran

The global community has witnessed a disturbing escalation in the number of executions carried out by the Iranian state in recent years. This alarming trend was a central focus during the 59th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC), where the spotlight turned specifically to reports on rising executions in Iran and the increasing repression of civic space around the world. The figures paint a grim picture, indicating a significant intensification of capital punishment.

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• According to the UN human rights chief, at least 901 people were reportedly executed in Iran last year. This staggering figure includes approximately 40 executions in a single week in December alone, underscoring the rapid pace at which these sentences are being carried out.
• Further corroborating these concerns, two human rights groups reported that Iran executed at least 975 people last year, marking a horrifying escalation in its use of capital punishment. This represents a substantial increase, with the number of executions up some 43 percent on 2022.
• The scale of this increase is unprecedented in recent history, as it marked only the second time in two decades that over 800 executions were recorded in a single year.
• The judiciary's news website has also announced a consistent flow of executions, with reports of 20 executions in recent days. Disturbingly, at least 748 executions have been carried out during Pezeshkian’s term, indicating a sustained and high rate of capital punishment under the current administration.
• The New Year's Day alone saw the execution of at least 14 prisoners in several prisons across four Iranian cities, including four women among those executed.

These statistics highlight a systemic and escalating reliance on the death penalty, making the issue of "hanging Iran" a critical human rights concern that demands urgent international attention.

The Gruesome Reality of Public Hangings in Iran

While all executions are inherently severe, the practice of public hangings in Iran adds another layer of brutality and psychological terror. Iran carries out executions by hanging, and a notable number of these are performed in public, often in city squares, transforming capital punishment into a public spectacle. The visual evidence of this practice is profoundly disturbing, as highlighted by various human rights organizations.

• In 2022, two people were publicly hanged. This number more than tripled in 2023, with seven public executions, signaling a worrying resurgence of this particularly cruel form of punishment.
• The methods used for these public spectacles are often graphic. Footage provided to Amnesty International, for instance, showed the execution by hanging of three men in Azadi Square in the city of Kermanshah. The executions were carried out using a crane and mechanical fork loader in one of the city’s main squares, with armed men guarding from rooftops around the area.
• Amnesty International noted that graphic new video footage of a public hanging in Iran highlights the brutalization of both the condemned and those who watch executions. This observation underscores the profound psychological impact not only on the victims but also on the public forced to witness such events.
• One notable case was that of bank robber Mohammad Bakhshian, just prior to his public hanging in 2006, an image that has been widely circulated. More recently, Majidreza Rahnavard was hanged from a crane amid nationwide protests in Iran, a clear demonstration of the state's intent to instill fear and suppress dissent.
• Sunday’s public hanging followed the execution of at least 14 prisoners on the New Year’s Day, further cementing the regularity of this practice. Iran on Sunday publicly hanged 3 men sentenced to death for armed robbery, demonstrating its continued use of this method for various alleged crimes.

Historical Context of Public Executions

The practice of public executions in Iran is not new, but its frequency has fluctuated throughout history. During the Qajar dynasty, public executions occurred regularly, serving as a visible display of the ruler's power. However, with the Persian Constitutional Revolution, this practice began to decline, becoming a rare occurrence under the Pahlavi dynasty. The current resurgence, particularly in the last two decades, marks a significant and concerning shift back towards a more visible and intimidating application of capital punishment. This historical context is crucial for understanding the current trends of "hanging Iran" and the implications for its society.

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The Impact of Viral Footage

In the age of social media, footage of public hangings in Iran has occasionally gone viral, sparking global outrage and debate. While these videos expose the brutal reality of the Iranian justice system to a wider audience, they also raise ethical questions. Some observers question whether users of social media are sending the wrong message by sharing such material, potentially inadvertently contributing to the spectacle or desensitizing viewers. Regardless, the very existence and spread of such footage serve as undeniable evidence of the state-sanctioned violence and the profound human rights violations occurring within Iran.

Who Are the Victims? A Look at Those Executed

The individuals subjected to capital punishment in Iran come from diverse backgrounds, highlighting the broad reach of the state's punitive measures. The data reveals that the targets include not only those accused of violent crimes but also individuals from minority groups and those involved in protests, further raising concerns about the justice system's fairness and impartiality.

• **Women:** The tragic reality includes women among the condemned. Iran hanged at least seven people on a recent Saturday, including two women. Additionally, four women were among those executed on the New Year’s Day, underscoring that women are not exempt from the death penalty.
• **Minority Groups:** The vulnerability of minority groups is particularly concerning. A member of Iran's Jewish minority is at imminent risk of execution, and two Kurdish women are also at risk of execution. These cases raise serious questions about discrimination and the disproportionate targeting of specific communities.
• **Protesters:** The state has also used capital punishment to quell dissent and punish those involved in nationwide protests. Majidreza Rahnavard was notably hanged from a crane amid these protests, a clear message to would-be demonstrators. Sana Ebrahimi has spoken about the reactions on the Iranian streets after the second execution of a protester, indicating the profound impact these executions have on public sentiment and fear.
• **Others:** Beyond these categories, individuals like Pouya Askari and Jafar Fallah were hanged on Sunday, January 12, 2025, in Arak and Semnan. The public hanging of three men sentenced to death for armed robbery also illustrates the application of the death penalty for various offenses.

The varied profiles of those executed or at risk of execution underscore the arbitrary and far-reaching nature of capital punishment in Iran, making the issue of "hanging Iran" a complex web of human rights abuses.

Geographic Spread and Specific Incidents

The executions in Iran are not confined to a single region but are carried out across various cities and provinces, indicating a nationwide policy. This widespread application of capital punishment ensures its reach and impact across the country.

• **New Year's Day Executions:** The execution of at least 14 prisoners on the New Year’s Day took place in several prisons in four cities in Iran, demonstrating a coordinated, widespread enforcement of the death penalty.
• **Falavarjan, Isfahan:** The execution was carried out in Falavarjan, in Isfahan, central Iran, rising concerns about the apparent rise in the number of such executions in Iran. This highlights specific regional instances where the practice is intensifying.
• **Kermanshah's Azadi Square:** The execution by hanging of three men in Azadi Square in the city of Kermanshah, documented by Amnesty International, is a stark example of public executions occurring in prominent urban centers.
• **Arak and Semnan:** Khamenei’s executioners hanged two prisoners, Pouya Askari and Jafar Fallah, on Sunday, January 12, 2025, in Arak and Semnan, further illustrating the geographical breadth of these state-sanctioned killings.

This geographical dispersion underscores that the issue of "hanging Iran" is a national crisis, affecting communities across the entire country, not just isolated pockets.

International Condemnation and Human Rights Concerns

The escalating number of executions and the use of public hangings in Iran have drawn strong condemnation from international bodies and human rights organizations worldwide. The global community views these practices as severe violations of international human rights law, particularly given concerns about fair trials and due process.

• The 59th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) specifically highlighted reports on rising executions in Iran, linking them to the increasing repression of civic space around the world. This indicates that international bodies are actively monitoring and vocalizing their concerns about Iran's human rights record.
• The UN human rights chief has explicitly stated that at least 901 people were reportedly executed in Iran last year, including about 40 in a single week in December, emphasizing the scale of the crisis.
• Amnesty International has repeatedly condemned the brutalization inherent in public executions, stating that graphic new video footage of a public hanging in Iran highlights the brutalization of both the condemned and those who watch executions. Their consistent reporting serves as a critical source of information and advocacy.
• The collective voice of human rights groups, such as the two that reported at least 975 executions last year, provides a unified front against Iran's capital punishment policies. They consistently call for an end to these practices and for greater transparency and accountability from the Iranian judiciary.

These condemnations highlight the global consensus that the current practices of "hanging Iran" are unacceptable and demand immediate cessation and reform.

The Persistent Use of Capital Punishment: A Deeper Look

Despite widespread international condemnation and internal calls for reform, Iran continues to intensify its use of capital punishment. The sheer volume of executions, particularly the increase in public hangings, suggests a deliberate policy choice by the state. The term "Khamenei’s executioners" used in some reports points to the ultimate authority behind these actions, indicating that the use of capital punishment is deeply entrenched within the highest echelons of power.

The intensification of executions, including the public display of death, serves multiple purposes for the state. It acts as a tool of fear and intimidation, aimed at suppressing dissent and maintaining social control. By executing individuals publicly, the authorities send a clear message to the populace about the consequences of challenging the regime or violating its laws. This strategy is particularly evident in cases where protesters are executed, as seen with Majidreza Rahnavard. The consistent reports of high execution numbers, such as at least 748 executions during Pezeshkian’s term, indicate that this is not an anomaly but a sustained instrument of state policy.

The varied nature of charges leading to executions, from armed robbery to participation in protests, suggests a broad application of the death penalty, often without the due process and fair trial standards required by international law. This lack of transparency and accountability further exacerbates concerns about the arbitrary nature of the death penalty in Iran, making the practice of "hanging Iran" a multifaceted human rights crisis.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Capital Punishment in Iran

The current trajectory of capital punishment in Iran presents a bleak outlook. With execution numbers consistently high and the practice of public hangings on the rise, the immediate future appears to hold little promise for a reduction in state-sanctioned killings. The international community, human rights organizations, and activists within Iran continue to exert pressure, but the response from the Iranian authorities has largely been one of defiance and intensification.

The August 20, 2024 news release and the June 18, 2025 report mentioned in the data suggest an ongoing focus on this issue, indicating that the crisis is far from over. The global spotlight remains firmly on Iran, and every execution, particularly public ones, further solidifies its reputation as one of the world's leading executioners.

Calls for Accountability and Change

Human rights advocates consistently call for greater accountability from the Iranian judiciary and government. This includes demands for transparent investigations into alleged abuses, adherence to international fair trial standards, and ultimately, a moratorium on and abolition of the death penalty. The international community's role in maintaining pressure, imposing sanctions where appropriate, and supporting civil society within Iran remains crucial in pushing for meaningful change. The focus must be on ensuring that the principles of justice and human dignity prevail over state repression.

The Human Cost Beyond the Numbers

While statistics provide a stark overview, it is vital to remember the profound human cost behind each number. Every execution represents a life lost, a family shattered, and a community traumatized. The public nature of many of these hangings, as described in the chilling details of executions carried out with cranes and mechanical fork loaders in city squares, leaves an indelible mark on witnesses and society at large. The fear, despair, and brutalization inflicted by these acts extend far beyond the condemned, permeating the fabric of Iranian society. The global conversation about "hanging Iran" must always return to these individual tragedies and the fundamental human rights being violated.

Conclusion

The practice of "hanging Iran" represents a deeply troubling aspect of the country's human rights record, characterized by an alarming rise in executions, the brutal spectacle of public hangings, and the targeting of diverse segments of the population. From the staggering numbers reported by the UN and human rights groups to the graphic details of executions in public squares, the evidence points to a systematic and intensified use of capital punishment as a tool of state control.

As the international community continues to monitor and condemn these actions, the urgent need for reform within Iran's justice system remains paramount. The human cost of these executions is immeasurable, leaving a legacy of fear and sorrow. We encourage our readers to stay informed on this critical human rights issue and consider sharing this article to raise awareness. Your engagement can contribute to the global call for an end to these brutal practices and a future where justice in Iran upholds human dignity.