Iran's Public Hangings: A Deep Dive Into A Troubling Practice
Table of Contents
- A Grim Reality: The Mechanics of Public Hangings in Iran
- A Troubling History: The Resurgence of Public Executions
- The Alarming Escalation: Numbers Tell a Horrifying Story
- The Stated Purpose: Instilling Fear and Suppressing Dissent
- Victims and Violations: The Human Cost of Public Hangings
- International Outcry: Global Condemnation and Calls for Action
- The Digital Age: Public Hangings and Social Media
- What Lies Ahead? The Future of Capital Punishment in Iran
A Grim Reality: The Mechanics of Public Hangings in Iran
The very nature of public hangings in Iran is designed to be a visible and impactful display of state power. Unlike executions carried out behind prison walls, these events unfold in open spaces, often in city squares or other prominent locations, ensuring maximum public exposure. The methods employed are crude yet effective in their grim purpose, leaving little to the imagination and serving as a stark warning to anyone contemplating defiance of the state.The Method: Cranes and Public Spectacle
Iran carries out executions by hanging, and for public hangings, the method often involves the use of heavy machinery. The executions are frequently carried out using a crane and mechanical fork loader. This method, while seemingly industrial, transforms the act into a highly visible spectacle. The condemned individual is typically hoisted into the air, often in one of the city’s main squares, with armed men guarding from rooftops around the area, creating an intimidating atmosphere. This specific manner of hanging, with a crane, has been noted as a recurring feature, particularly during times of unrest. For instance, Iran used the same manner of hanging to put down unrest following the disputed 2009 presidential election and the subsequent Green Movement protests. The visibility and dramatic nature of these executions, such as the hanging of Majidreza Rahnavard from a crane amid nationwide protests, are clearly intended to amplify their deterrent effect, a core component of the rationale behind public hangings in Iran.A Troubling History: The Resurgence of Public Executions
The history of public executions in Iran is not static; it has ebbed and flowed with political tides and societal shifts. While the practice has deep roots, its prevalence has varied dramatically across different eras, reflecting the changing nature of governance and the state's relationship with its populace. During the Qajar dynasty, public executions occurred regularly, serving as a common form of punishment and a display of royal authority. However, with the advent of the Persian Constitutional Revolution, a significant movement towards modernization and rule of law, the practice began to decline. Under the Pahlavi dynasty that followed, public executions became a rare occurrence, largely relegated to the past as Iran sought to project a more modern and internationally aligned image. The establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1979, however, marked a dramatic reversal. With the new political order, capital punishment, and specifically public executions, returned on an unprecedented scale. This resurgence was not merely a return to an old practice but an intensification, signaling a new era where the state's power would be visibly asserted through such means. The return of public hangings to Iranian streets has been a grave concern for human rights organizations, who warn about the profound implications of this cruel and degrading act. This historical context is crucial for understanding why public hangings in Iran have become such a contentious issue, symbolizing a deliberate shift in state policy regarding capital punishment and public order.The Alarming Escalation: Numbers Tell a Horrifying Story
The trajectory of executions in Iran, particularly public ones, has shown a deeply disturbing upward trend in recent years. Data compiled by human rights organizations paints a grim picture of an escalating use of the death penalty, reaching levels not seen in years, with public hangings forming a particularly egregious component of this surge.Surging Statistics: A Look at Recent Trends
The 17th annual report on the death penalty in Iran, published jointly by Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) and ECPM (Together Against the Death Penalty), reveals a horrifying escalation in the use of the death penalty by the Islamic Republic in 2024. The year witnessed at least 975 executions, marking a 17% increase from the 834 recorded in 2023. This surge represents the highest number of recorded executions in Iran since 2015. The numbers are even more stark when looking at year-on-year increases: the 2023 figure marked a 48% increase from 2022 and a staggering 172% increase from 2021. This "killing spree," as rights groups have termed it, continued into 2024, with at least 95 recorded executions by March 20th. Of the 975 people executed in 2024, four people were hanged in public, and a deeply concerning 31 were women, also the highest figure for the past 17 years. The data clearly indicates that since 2022, public executions have started rising, with numbers more than tripling in 2023 compared to 2022. In 2024, four people were hanged publicly. Amnesty International has received reports of at least 28 acknowledged public executions in a single year, with reports of at least another six which the authorities have not acknowledged, underscoring the lack of transparency. This alarming acceleration in the pace of executions, particularly public hangings in Iran, signals a deliberate policy choice, raising serious concerns about the state's motivations and disregard for international human rights standards.The Stated Purpose: Instilling Fear and Suppressing Dissent
The deliberate choice to carry out executions in public is not arbitrary; it serves a calculated purpose for the Iranian authorities. Beyond the immediate punishment of the condemned, public hangings are a powerful tool intended to send a chilling message to the wider population, aiming to deter crime and, more critically, to suppress any form of popular uprising or dissent.Beyond Punishment: A Tool for Control
The Iranian authorities have explicitly or implicitly used public executions as a means to instill fear in the population. The acts are clearly intended to create a climate of intimidation, discouraging any form of protest or opposition to the ruling establishment. This is particularly evident in the context of nationwide protests, where individuals like Majidreza Rahnavard were hanged from a crane amid widespread unrest, serving as a direct warning to other protestors. The "unprecedented acceleration of executions" is seen by many as a direct response to the fear of a popular uprising. Khamenei’s executioners, gripped by fear of a public outburst, have drastically accelerated the pace of executions, suggesting a desperate attempt to maintain control through terror. The sheer visibility of these public hangings, often conducted in main city squares with armed guards on rooftops, transforms them into a spectacle of power designed to crush the spirit of dissent. Seven executions, for instance, were carried out publicly in cities including Hamedan, Esfarayen, Khomein, Taybad, Shahroud, and Isfahan—acts clearly intended to instill fear in the population. This deliberate use of public hangings in Iran goes far beyond mere criminal justice; it is a calculated political strategy aimed at maintaining stability through intimidation and control.Victims and Violations: The Human Cost of Public Hangings
The human cost of public hangings in Iran extends far beyond the individual condemned. It encompasses the profound trauma inflicted upon families, communities, and the broader society forced to witness such barbaric acts. Moreover, these executions frequently violate fundamental international laws, particularly concerning due process and the treatment of minors. One of the most egregious violations is the execution of individuals who were under 18 at the time of their alleged crimes. Data indicates that seven of those executed were minors when they committed the offenses, a clear breach of international law, which explicitly prohibits the death penalty for juvenile offenders. This disregard for international conventions highlights a deeply troubling aspect of Iran's justice system. Furthermore, the very nature of public hangings is deemed "an inhumane, cruel and degrading act that not only victimises the defendant but also the general public." The psychological impact on those forced to witness these events, especially children, is immeasurable and can lead to lasting trauma. The public spectacle denies the condemned any semblance of dignity in their final moments, turning their death into a tool of state terror. The case of an individual executed in an unidentified public location in Mashhad while a group of people looked on underscores this dehumanizing aspect. The victims of these public hangings are not just the individuals who lose their lives, but also the countless others who are forced to endure the horror of witnessing state-sanctioned violence, leaving an indelible scar on the collective psyche of Iranian society.International Outcry: Global Condemnation and Calls for Action
The escalating number of executions, particularly public hangings in Iran, has not gone unnoticed on the global stage. Human rights organizations, international bodies, and governments worldwide have consistently condemned these practices, urging the Iranian authorities to halt the use of the death penalty and adhere to international human rights standards.Human Rights Under Siege
The Human Rights Council regularly hears alarming updates on executions in Iran. On the third day of the 59th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC), for instance, the spotlight turned to reports on rising executions in Iran and the increasing repression of civic space around the world. Organizations like Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) and ECPM have been at the forefront of documenting these abuses, publishing annual reports that detail the horrifying escalation. They specifically warn about the return of public hangings to Iranian streets and urge the international community to deal seriously with this type of execution. Amnesty International, among other groups, has consistently highlighted the violations of international law, especially regarding juvenile offenders and the lack of fair trials. The international community's response often includes calls for moratoriums on executions, investigations into alleged abuses, and sanctions against officials involved in human rights violations. Despite this widespread condemnation, Iran has signaled that more executions could be carried out, indicating a defiant stance against international pressure. The continued practice of public hangings in Iran, therefore, represents a significant challenge to the global human rights framework, demanding sustained attention and concerted efforts from international actors to advocate for change and accountability.The Digital Age: Public Hangings and Social Media
In an era dominated by instant communication and viral content, the grim reality of public hangings in Iran has found its way into the digital sphere, raising complex ethical questions about the dissemination of such graphic material. Footage of public hangings, once confined to local communities, can now spread globally within minutes, reaching an unprecedented audience. When footage of a public hanging in Iran goes viral, it sparks intense debate. On one hand, sharing such material can serve to raise awareness about the atrocities being committed, mobilizing international condemnation and advocacy efforts. It brings the harsh reality of these executions into the homes and consciousness of people worldwide, making it harder to ignore. On the other hand, some are questioning whether users of social media are sending the wrong message by sharing such material. There are concerns that the widespread sharing of graphic content, even with good intentions, could inadvertently normalize violence, desensitize viewers, or even contribute to the spectacle the authorities intend to create. The Iran Human Rights Documentation Center, for example, obtained exclusive video of a public execution of three persons that took place in Azadi Square on January 5, 2012, highlighting how such documentation becomes a crucial, albeit disturbing, piece of evidence. The dilemma lies in balancing the need for transparency and advocacy with the ethical implications of circulating images of extreme violence. This digital exposure adds another layer of complexity to the issue of public hangings in Iran, forcing a global reckoning with how such information is consumed and utilized in the fight for human rights.What Lies Ahead? The Future of Capital Punishment in Iran
The current trajectory suggests a deeply concerning future for capital punishment in Iran, particularly concerning the practice of public hangings. With the numbers of executions continuing to rise and the explicit use of these acts to quell dissent, the outlook appears bleak for any immediate cessation of this inhumane practice. The Iranian authorities have shown little inclination to heed international calls for a moratorium or abolition of the death penalty, and indeed, have signaled that more executions could be carried out. The fear of popular uprising seems to be a significant driver behind the accelerated pace of executions, suggesting that as long as the regime perceives a threat to its stability, public hangings in Iran may continue to be employed as a tool of control and intimidation. However, the relentless efforts of human rights organizations, the increasing scrutiny from international bodies, and the growing global awareness fueled by digital media offer a glimmer of hope. Continued documentation, advocacy, and sustained international pressure remain crucial. While the path to abolishing public hangings and the death penalty in Iran is undoubtedly long and fraught with challenges, the collective voice of the global community advocating for human dignity and justice is more vital than ever. The future depends on the unwavering commitment to hold the Iranian authorities accountable for their actions and to support those within Iran who bravely advocate for fundamental human rights.Conclusion
The practice of public hangings in Iran represents a deeply troubling facet of its justice system, characterized by a horrifying escalation in numbers and a clear intent to instill fear and suppress dissent. From their historical resurgence after 1979 to the current alarming statistics of nearly a thousand executions in 2024, including a significant increase in public hangings, the evidence points to a deliberate and cruel policy. These acts, often carried out with cranes in city squares, not only violate international human rights laws, particularly concerning juvenile offenders, but also inflict profound psychological trauma on both the condemned and the public forced to witness them. Despite widespread international condemnation and calls from human rights organizations, the Iranian authorities continue to use public hangings as a tool of control, seemingly undeterred by global outcry. The digital age has amplified the visibility of these events, sparking debates about the ethics of sharing such graphic content while simultaneously raising global awareness. As we reflect on this grim reality, it becomes clear that sustained international pressure, rigorous documentation, and unwavering advocacy are paramount. What are your thoughts on the alarming rise of public hangings in Iran and the role of international pressure? Share your comments below. If you found this article informative, please consider sharing it to raise awareness, and explore other articles on our site for more insights into human rights issues worldwide.
Public confidence in official statistics remains high – UK Statistics
What Makes a Great Public Place? | ArchDaily
Urban public spaces – .hess
