In recent days, the unprecedented intensification of executions in Iran has become one of the most alarming indicators of the political and social crisis shaking the country. Between November 25 and 28, 2023, 27 people were executed, equating to one execution every three and a half hours.
A Strategy of Intimidation Through Increased Executions
Last week, the Iranian judiciary sentenced six political prisoners to death: Abolhassan Montazer, Pouya Ghobadi, Vahid Bani-Amirian, Babak Alipour, Ali-Akbar Daneshvarkar, and Mohammad Taghavi. Accused of crimes such as “membership in the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran” and “armed rebellion,” these individuals were targeted after months of interrogations and torture. These sentences are clearly intended to instill fear among the population and deter any political opposition.
In October, executions occurred at a rate of one every four hours. Today, this frequency has increased, reflecting less a judicial development than the regime’s desperate reaction to a critical situation aimed at preventing massive uprisings.
Economic Crisis: A Key Driver of Widespread Discontent
Iran’s deepening economic crisis is one of the main drivers of popular discontent and increasing protests. In his most recent speech, the regime’s new president, Massoud Pezeshkian, indirectly acknowledged the crisis, warning that its persistence could lead to widespread demonstrations. However, he refrained from identifying those responsible for this catastrophic situation, which has driven more than two-thirds of the population below the poverty line.
Even state-controlled media cannot hide the severity of the crisis. On November 25, 2023, the daily newspaper “Islamic Republic” ran the headline: “Fear the Revolution of the Hungry Army”, denouncing the situation: “Each day, the economic crisis worsens, the poor grow poorer, the rich grow richer, and society is increasingly engulfed by an arrogant and insensitive elite.”
In this context, the conditions are ripe for even larger and more organized protests. In response to this growing threat, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, in a speech to the Basij paramilitary forces on November 25, urged them to prepare to suppress “riots” and “rioters.”
Executions as a Tool of Political Repression
One of the regime’s main strategies to stifle protests is to increase death sentences, particularly targeting members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran, PMOI, and other political opponents.
In a recent report, UN Special Rapporteur Javaid Rehman described two major waves of political massacres—in 1982 and 1988—as acts of “genocide.” During the 1988 massacre, 90% of the victims were members of the Mojahedin. According to Rehman, the Iranian regime executed its opponents solely because of their political, ethnic, or religious beliefs.
Since 2019, the Iranian government has intensified death sentences targeting PMOI sympathizers. Ahead of potential protests, the regime appears to be stepping up efforts to suppress political prisoners, aiming to thwart any movement of resistance. According to recent reports, over 3,600 family members and supporters of the Mojahedin have been arrested. Their identities have been submitted to the UN by the Iranian opposition in an effort to protect them.
International Reactions: Calls for Action and Condemnations
On November 20, 2023, the United Nations adopted its 71st resolution against the Iranian regime in response to severe and systematic human rights violations. Maryam Rajavi, leader of the Iranian opposition and President of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), welcomed this resolution and called for stronger international action.
She stated: “The increase in human rights violations and the regime’s disregard for UN resolutions necessitate a referral to the UN Security Council and the prosecution of Iran’s leaders.” She also urged European countries to condition their diplomatic and trade relations with Iran on the immediate cessation of executions and to actively support human rights in the country.
Conclusion: Iran at a Decisive Crossroads
The escalation of executions, worsening economic crisis, and growing popular discontent reveal the regime’s state of despair. While the regime seeks to maintain its power through brutal repression, these measures seem to exacerbate frustrations and fuel further protests.
In this context, the international community plays a crucial role. It must support human rights in Iran, pressure the regime to end its policies of repression and executions and encourage a transition toward justice and freedom. The future of Iran depends both on the resilience of its people and on the world’s determination to hold the regime accountable for its crimes against humanity.
Dear reader,
Opinions expressed in the op-ed section are solely those of the individual author and do not represent the official stance of our newspaper. We believe in providing a platform for a wide range of voices and perspectives, even those that may challenge or differ from our own. We remain committed to providing our readers with high-quality, fair, and balanced journalism. Thank you for your continued support.
