Special Report: Death Penalty in Iran

The Iranian regime has been utilizing the death penalty to stifle all forms of social and political dissent. There has been a steady increase in the number of executions following the 2022 “Women, Life, Freedom” protests and the 2025 12-Day War with Israel. These tumultuous three years have created an environment in which the state is justifying its brutal actions against civilians by portraying ethnic minorities and outspoken individuals as security threats.

Iran's national flag flies in the capital, Tehran [File: Vahid Salemi/AP]

The strategy is not a novelty. Ethnic minorities have suffered at the hands of the state since it began its crackdown on drug trafficking. Charges related to drug crimes and the subsequent death sentences handed out to members of marginalized communities follow a similar pattern and serve a similar purpose to the offenses of espionage and “enmity against God.” The data associated with the death penalty in Iran uncovers that minorities are being disproportionately targeted, especially during episodes of domestic and international unrest. This pattern amounts to an intentional and systemic strategy created by the state to intimidate and silence certain sections of society. 

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