834 People Executed in Iran in 2023

Iran executed at least 834 people last year, a new record for the regime since 2015 as capital punishment is surging in the country, two rights groups said Tuesday.

The annual report published by the Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) and Paris-based Together Against the Death Penalty (ECPM), indicates that the executions were up some 43 percent in comparison with the figure in 2022. It is only the second time in two decades that over 800 executions were recorded in a year, after 972 executions in 2015.

The numbers coincide with a report released in January from the United Nations citing 834 executions in 2023, also suggesting the number could be more. A statement claimed it was an "unprecedented rise" which saw "at least" 834 people executed, including eight associated with the nationwide protests.

According to the latest rights groups' report, in 2023, the number of public hangings in Iran tripled compared to 2022, with seven people being hanged in public spaces, including a beach park. 

Iran also violated international obligations by executing juvenile offenders, with at least two juveniles put to death, one of whom was 17 at the time of execution. At least 22 women were executed, marking the highest number in the past decade.