Iran's Gallows: Unveiling The Practice Of Execution By Hanging
Table of Contents:
- A Grim Reality: The Prevalence of Hanging in Iran
- Historical Context: Hanging Post-Revolution
- The Mechanics of a Public Execution: Cranes and Crowds
- Alarming Statistics: Iran's Soaring Execution Rates
- Beyond the Numbers: Who is on Death Row?
- International Outcry and Human Rights Concerns
- The Call for Global Action
- Conclusion: A Plea for Humanity
A Grim Reality: The Prevalence of Hanging in Iran
When discussing capital punishment in Iran, one consistent and chilling detail emerges: **Iran carries out executions by hanging.** This method is not merely one among several; it is virtually the sole means by which the state carries out death sentences. All the executions we hear about, whether reported by official media or human rights groups, are carried out by hanging. This consistency underscores a deliberate choice in the application of capital punishment, a choice that has profound implications for the condemned and for society at large. The sheer scale of executions is staggering. Iran is widely recognized as one of the world’s top executioners, and critically, it holds the dubious distinction of being the world’s leading executioner per capita. This means that relative to its population, Iran executes more people than any other nation. This fact alone should compel the international community to pay closer attention to the human rights situation within its borders. The numbers are not just statistics; they represent lives cut short, often under circumstances that violate international legal standards. The opaque nature of the judicial process, coupled with the frequent use of capital punishment for non-violent offenses, raises serious questions about justice and due process in the country.Historical Context: Hanging Post-Revolution
The landscape of capital punishment in Iran underwent a significant transformation following the Islamic Revolution of 1979 and the establishment of the Islamic Republic. Prior to this, while executions certainly occurred, the post-revolutionary era saw a dramatic increase in their frequency and visibility. Public executions, in particular, became commonplace, serving as a stark demonstration of the state's power and its interpretation of Islamic law. This shift was not merely an increase in numbers but a fundamental change in the public display of justice. The overwhelming majority of these public executions were carried out by hanging. This historical context is vital for understanding the current prevalence and nature of executions in Iran. It established a precedent where capital punishment was not just a judicial sentence but a public spectacle, intended to enforce order and deter dissent. This legacy continues to shape the current environment, where the boundaries between legal punishment and public display often blur, leading to profound ethical and human rights concerns. The normalization of such brutal public acts has had a lasting impact on Iranian society, fostering an environment where fear can be a pervasive element of daily life.The Mechanics of a Public Execution: Cranes and Crowds
The method of execution by hanging in Iran is often characterized by a chilling visual: the use of cranes. In many instances, cranes mounted on trucks have served as makeshift gallows, elevating the condemned high above the ground, making the execution a highly visible public spectacle. This practice is not merely about carrying out a sentence; it is about projecting power and instilling fear. The image of a person suspended from a crane in a public square is a powerful and disturbing symbol of the state's authority. The choice to use cranes, rather than traditional gallows, adds another layer of horror. It suggests a certain expediency and a desire for maximum visibility, turning a judicial act into a macabre public performance. The condemned, often brought to the execution site in front of crowds, are subjected to this final, humiliating act in full view of onlookers. This public display is a deliberate tactic, designed to send a clear message to the population about the consequences of defying the state or committing certain crimes.The Brutality of Public Spectacle
The brutalization inherent in public executions extends beyond the condemned individual. Graphic new video footage of a public hanging in Iran, as highlighted by Amnesty International, underscores the profound and damaging impact on both the condemned and those who watch these executions. The video, provided to Amnesty International and shot on July 19, shows the execution by hanging of three men in Azadi Square in the city of Kermanshah. Such footage, though disturbing, serves as a stark reminder of the reality on the ground. Amnesty International has consistently warned that hanging is a 'slow torture' in Iran, suggesting that the method itself is designed to inflict prolonged suffering. This isn't just about ending a life; it's about a process that can be agonizing and drawn out, a deliberate act of cruelty. The public nature of these events means that children and adults are exposed to extreme violence, which can have long-term psychological effects on communities. The act of witnessing such an event, whether willingly or unwillingly, contributes to a climate of fear and desensitization. The state's intention to instill fear through these public displays is often achieved, but at a tremendous cost to the mental and emotional well-being of its citizens. The very public nature of these hangings is a deliberate choice, intended to maximize their deterrent effect, but it also exposes the brutal reality of the justice system to the world.Alarming Statistics: Iran's Soaring Execution Rates
The numbers surrounding executions in Iran are not just high; they are escalating at an alarming rate, drawing increasing concern from international human rights organizations. The real numbers are likely to be much higher than officially reported, as the use of capital punishment in Iran is often shrouded in secrecy. This lack of transparency makes it challenging to ascertain the full extent of the issue, but even the known figures paint a grim picture. For instance, at least 285 executions, including 11 in public, were carried out in the period spanning December 2017 to December 2018. While these numbers are significant, they are dwarfed by more recent trends. The United Nations Human Rights Office warned about a significant spike in executions, noting that the UN knew of 500 people executed in Iran in 2013 alone, including 57 in public. These figures highlight a consistent pattern of widespread use of the death penalty over the past decade.The Per Capita Crisis
As mentioned, Iran holds the unenviable title of the world’s leading executioner per capita. This statistic is crucial because it contextualizes the sheer volume of executions against the size of the population, revealing a disproportionately high reliance on capital punishment compared to other nations. Many hangings are carried out in public, further amplifying the state's message of deterrence and control. Nearly 40% of the executions were announced by official Iranian media, and 34 people were executed in public spaces, indicating a deliberate strategy of publicizing these acts. Four of these executions were carried out publicly, emphasizing the state's intent to use these events as public spectacles.Recent Surges and Concerning Trends (2022-2025)
The trend of increasing executions has become even more pronounced in recent years. Since 2022, public executions have started rising, with numbers more than tripling in 2023 compared to 2022. This surge is a deeply disturbing development, signaling an intensification of capital punishment. In 2024, the alarming trend continued, with 4 people known to have been hanged in public spaces. This includes specific cases such as the public execution of serial killer Esmail Rangraz, which served as a public demonstration of the state's power. The data for 2024 and early 2025 is particularly troubling. As of December 18, 2024, there has been a huge surge in executions in the Islamic Republic, reaching 862 so far in 2024, solidifying Iran's position as having the highest per capita execution rate globally. This period also saw a concerning rise in the inclusion of women in those sent to the gallows. Between October 10, 2023, and October 8, 2024, at least 811 individuals were executed by hanging in Iran, representing a 23.06% increase compared to the same period last year. Of these executions, four were carried out in public. The surge has continued into 2025. On Sunday, January 12, 2025, Khamenei’s executioners hanged two prisoners, Pouya Askari and Jafar Fallah, in Arak and Semnan. This is part of a broader pattern: in recent days alone, there have been 20 executions, contributing to at least 748 executions during Pezeshkian's term. An August 7, 2024 report highlighted a deeply disturbing surge in hangings, with at least 33 individuals executed in just 24 hours. All these executions were marked by severe violations of international law, underscoring the urgent need for the global community to forcefully warn Iran to stop these unlawful hangings.Beyond the Numbers: Who is on Death Row?
While the sheer volume of executions is alarming, it is equally important to understand who is being executed and for what alleged crimes. The Iranian justice system often applies the death penalty for a wide range of offenses, including drug-related crimes, armed robbery, and even vague charges related to national security or "enmity against God." However, recent trends indicate a disturbing expansion of its application, particularly concerning vulnerable groups and those involved in protests. For instance, Iran on a recent Sunday publicly hanged 3 men sentenced to death for armed robbery, demonstrating the use of capital punishment for certain criminal offenses. However, a deeply concerning aspect is the execution of vulnerable individuals. Many were child brides hanged for the murder of abusive husbands from whom there was no protection. This highlights a tragic intersection of societal vulnerability and a punitive justice system that fails to offer adequate safeguards. The growing number of political executions in Iran now also includes women, a worrying development that signals an expansion of the state's repressive tactics.Vulnerable Groups and Political Dissidents
The link between executions and political dissent has become increasingly evident, particularly following the widespread protests that erupted in September 2022. Iran has executed at least eight men in cases related to these protests. Rights groups argue that the surge in hangings across all charges is aimed at instilling fear in the population and quashing any form of dissent. The execution of the first prisoner detained during demonstrations last Thursday, carried out in Falavarjan, in Isfahan, central Iran, further raised concerns about the apparent rise in the number of such executions linked to political unrest. This was not an isolated incident; it was the second execution linked to the protests, indicating a deliberate strategy to suppress any opposition. The targeting of individuals involved in demonstrations sends a chilling message to anyone considering challenging the regime. These executions are far from humane, often conducted without due process and in violation of international fair trial standards.International Outcry and Human Rights Concerns
The consistent and widespread use of **execution by hanging in Iran** has long been a focal point of international human rights advocacy. Organizations like the United Nations Human Rights Office and Amnesty International have repeatedly condemned Iran's practices, citing severe violations of international law. The UN's warnings about the spike in executions are not isolated incidents but part of a continuous effort to hold Iran accountable to its international obligations. The concerns extend beyond the sheer number of executions to the methods and circumstances under which they are carried out. The public nature of many hangings, the use of cranes, and the allegations of "slow torture" all contribute to a picture of a justice system that prioritizes deterrence and control over human dignity and due process. The fact that many executions are for offenses not considered "most serious crimes" under international law, or that they involve vulnerable populations like child brides, further exacerbates these concerns. The lack of transparency, with many executions shrouded in secrecy, only adds to the difficulty of monitoring and addressing these human rights abuses effectively. The global community's voice is crucial in highlighting these issues and pressuring Iran to adhere to international human rights standards.The Call for Global Action
Given the alarming surge in executions and the consistent violations of international law, the global community must forcefully warn Iran to stop these unlawful hangings. This is not merely a humanitarian plea but a call for adherence to fundamental principles of justice and human rights. International pressure can play a vital role in influencing the policies of states that engage in widespread capital punishment. This warning must come from various fronts: governments, international organizations, and civil society groups. Sanctions, diplomatic pressure, and public condemnation are all tools that can be employed to urge Iran to halt its execution spree. Furthermore, there is a need to support human rights defenders and organizations within Iran who are working tirelessly, often at great personal risk, to document abuses and advocate for change. The focus should be on encouraging Iran to adopt a moratorium on executions with a view to abolishing the death penalty, and in the interim, to ensure that all legal proceedings meet international fair trial standards. The lives of countless individuals depend on the sustained and unified voice of the international community demanding an end to these brutal practices.Conclusion: A Plea for Humanity
The practice of **execution by hanging in Iran** represents one of the most pressing human rights crises of our time. From its historical entrenchment post-revolution to the current alarming surge in numbers, the evidence points to a system that frequently disregards international legal norms and human dignity. The statistics are chilling: Iran is the world's leading executioner per capita, with hundreds of individuals, including vulnerable women and political dissidents, sent to the gallows each year. The public nature of many of these hangings, often utilizing cranes as makeshift gallows, transforms judicial punishment into a brutal public spectacle, instilling fear and causing profound psychological harm to onlookers. Human rights organizations like the UN and Amnesty International have consistently decried these practices, highlighting how "hanging is a 'slow torture'" and how many executions violate fundamental international laws. The lack of transparency surrounding these acts further complicates efforts to hold the Iranian authorities accountable. As the numbers continue to climb, with record highs in 2024 and a disturbing trend continuing into 2025, the urgency for global intervention has never been greater. It is imperative that the international community maintains a strong, unified stance against these practices. We must continue to raise awareness, advocate for transparency, and demand that Iran adheres to its international human rights obligations. The lives of countless individuals hang in the balance, and a collective, unwavering commitment to human dignity is our only hope for change. Share this article to spread awareness and encourage dialogue about this critical human rights issue. Your voice, combined with others, can contribute to the growing pressure for an end to the brutal practice of execution by hanging in Iran.
Iran Conducts First Known Execution of Prisoner Tied to Nationwide
Iran Carries Out Second Execution Linked to Protests - The New York Times
The People Executed In Iran in Monthslong Protest Crackdown - The New
