A criminal was reportedly publicly executed in Semnan Province, northern Iran, on Tuesday. The execution, carried out in the town of Bastam, involved a man sentenced to death for the rape of two women.
According to Iranian judiciary-affiliated media outlet Mizan, the execution underscores the government’s stance on crimes that threaten public morality.
Mohammad Sadegh Akbari, head of the judiciary, stated, “Crimes that violate public morality and pose a threat to the moral and psychological security of society are among the priorities of judicial authorities to handle strictly.”
Public executions are uncommon in Iran, with most death sentences traditionally carried out by hanging in prisons. Earlier this year, in August, two individuals were executed near the scene of their crimes for murder, highlighting the government’s approach to serious offenses.
Human rights organizations have long criticized Iran’s extensive use of the death penalty.
Amnesty International reports that by the end of September, Iran had carried out over one thousand executions in 2023, marking the highest annual total in the past 15 years.
Critics argue that the widespread use of capital punishment, including public executions, serves as a tool to suppress dissent and silence opposition.
The execution in Semnan has drawn condemnation from human rights advocates worldwide, who continue to call for Iran to abolish or significantly restrict its use of the death penalty.
