32 Nations Criticize Iran's Executions; Tehran Accuses Them of 'Hypocrisy'

A coalition of 32 nations issued a strong condemnation on Wednesday against Iran's escalating use of the death penalty, as reported by AFP and Reuters. The United Nations indicates that Iran has executed at least 56 individuals since mid-March, with more than 100 others currently at risk of execution. Many of those executed were arrested in connection with protests that began in December and January, leading to tens of thousands of arrests or detentions.

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The use of the death penalty to suppress dissent, intimidate communities, and punish people for exercising their human rights is unacceptable. The people of Iran must be free to exercise their freedom of expression and peaceful assembly without fear.

The joint statement, signed by 26 EU member states, Australia, and New Zealand, declared, "The use of the death penalty to suppress dissent, intimidate communities, and punish people for exercising their human rights is unacceptable. The people of Iran must be free to exercise their freedom of expression and peaceful assembly without fear."

Iran's government responded by accusing the signatory countries, particularly France, of hypocrisy. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized the nations for lecturing on human rights, calling their stance "obvious and embarrassing" and referencing their support for Israel. The acceleration of executions coincides with the ongoing conflict initiated by Israel and the United States, which Iran's government appears to be using to justify a crackdown on internal dissent.

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France's like countries should stop lecturing about 'human rights' and international law. The hypocrisy is obvious and embarrassing.

UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Türk previously criticized Iran's judicial system for its bias and the speed of some executions. Reports suggest some individuals were sentenced to death after trials lasting only three hours, with some executions occurring in public spaces shortly after arrest. Human rights activists report that Iran executed two people over the weekend, including a 26-year-old woman who had killed her husband after his friend allegedly attempted to sexually assault her. The government's actions are viewed as an attempt to consolidate national unity during the conflict while simultaneously crushing critics and fostering an atmosphere of fear.

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Several executions were reportedly carried out in public places. Some were carried out just weeks after arrests. Reports indicate that 12 defendants were sentenced to death in a single, three-hour court session behind closed doors.