Iran has hanged over 300 people in 2023, marking a significant increase of over 75 percent compared to the previous year, according to Norway-based Iran Human Right.
Iran has executed over 300 people this year, with the rate in May during the current surge in hangings the highest monthly figure since 2015, a human rights group said on Thursday.
Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) said at least 307 people had been executed in 2023, a rise of over 75 percent compared to last year.
At least 142 people were executed in May, the highest monthly figure since 2015, meaning an average of over four people were hanged every day last month in the Islamic Republic, it added.
Campaigners accuse Iran of stepping up executions to strike fear into the population as the leadership moves to quell the protest movement that erupted in September.
Seven men have been hanged in cases related to the protests. But activists say executions have surged in less high-profile cases, particularly over drug and murder convictions, with ethnic minorities disproportionately targeted.
Iran hanged three more men in cases related to the protests earlier in May, sparking international condemnation. Amnesty International has warned at least seven more risks of being put to death.
According to Amnesty, the Islamic Republic executes more people each year than any nation other than China.
Miroslava Salazar with AFP
