Iran Executes Record 1,000 Prisoners in 2024

In 2024, Iran executed over 1,000 prisoners, marking the highest annual total in three decades and a 16% increase from 2023, according to the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI). Nearly 70% of these executions occurred after the election of President Masoud Pezeshkian in July, with significant spikes in the fourth quarter amid regional crises and domestic unrest. The victims included 34 women and seven minors, alongside a notable number of Afghan nationals and members of the Baluchi ethnic group, highlighting the regime's targeted repression of ethnic and religious minorities. NCRI leader Maryam Rajavi condemned these executions as a desperate attempt by the regime to quell public dissent and called for international accountability. The rise in executions is seen as a reflection of the regime's failures and efforts to maintain control amidst growing protests. Activists emphasize that the true number of executions may be even higher due to unreported cases, indicating a grim reality for human rights in Iran.