Iran executed at least 71 people in July, including six who had taken part in mass anti-government protests earlier this year, according to figures from Iran Human Rights (IHR), a human rights organisation based in Norway.
In a report published on 6 August, IHR noted that this figure brings the total number of executions recorded in the first seven months of this year to at least 444. According to the organisation, a further hundred people in Iran face the death penalty.
“We are deeply concerned that the ongoing military conflict between the Islamic Republic, the United States and Israel will be used to step up executions under the pretext of national security,” said Mahmoud Amiri-Mogaddam, director of the IHR.
He added: “The international community must respond with stronger and more coordinated pressure against the Islamic Republic’s use of the death penalty.”
Since the start of the war with the United States and Israel on 28 February, Iran has seen a rise in the number of executions of those whom human rights groups consider to be political prisoners – ranging from demonstrators to alleged members of banned groups and individuals convicted of espionage.
Activists say the rise in executions is an attempt by the authorities to instil fear among Iranians and prevent a repeat of the nationwide demonstrations that rocked Iran in January.