Iran is witnessing the highest surge of executions of women under Islamic law, with at least 31 recorded deaths so far this year, marking the highest annual total in 17 years. This troubling trend has drawn widespread concern, both domestically and internationally, as women make up approximately 70% of those executed, often under distressing circumstances.
According to Iran Human Rights NGO (IHRNGO), many of these women had been accused of killing their male partners, typically within the confines of abusive marriages—a stark reality tied to the oppressive nature of Iran’s legal framework.
Under Islamic law, particularly Sharia, the Iranian judiciary fails to recognize mitigating circumstances such as spousal abuse or marital rape, which significantly impacts the outcomes for these women. For many, the law follows qisas, or retributive justice, which allows the family of the victim to dictate the punishment—execution, forgiveness, or blood money (diyya). This has spurred the surge of executions as families often choose retribution.
The ramifications of Iran’s draconian anti-narcotics laws also disproportionately affect women, contributing to the alarming rate of capital punishment. Even with legislative reforms made in 2017 aimed at reducing drug-related executions, Iran has seen these numbers rebound, reaching record highs over the last nine years. IHRNGO’s report highlights the troubling reality where many women facing the death penalty did not intend to commit the crime, being either coerced or misled about their involvement.
The Iranian judicial system's opacity exacerbates these gender inequalities. Official data indicates only about 26% of executions involving women are publicized, with this number dwindling to just 12% since 2021. This lack of transparency not only conceals the prevalence of executions but also obscures the identities and circumstances of female prisoners awaiting execution.
Kurdish activists Varisheh Moradi and Pakhshan Azizi are among those allegedly facing execution imminently, their plight representing the broader systemic issues at play. Their cases have raised alarms about the lack of fair trial rights and due process within Iran’s judicial system.
The international community has responded to these growing concerns. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has called for Iranian authorities to impose a moratorium on the death penalty, denouncing the severity of human rights violations occurring within the judicial framework. Several UN experts have echoed these sentiments, pressing the Iranian government for significant reforms.
Maryam Rajavi, a prominent Iranian dissident and leader of the People’s Mujahedin of Iran (MEK), has proposed a ten-point plan which prominently advocates for the abolition of the death penalty. Rajavi’s agenda emphasizes the removal of inhumane practices, particularly condemning the execution of women and the daily hangings of youth.
The increased executions have been particularly targeted against women following the significant events of the “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests ignited last year, which drew global attention to the repression faced by Iranian women. The recent introduction of the “Noor Plan” to enforce more stringent hijab regulations has reportedly exacerbated the Iranian authorities' efforts to crack down on women, underscoring the regime’s growing hostility.
Despite the heightened scrutiny from international organizations, the Islamic Republic has shown little willingness to amend its policies. Activists and human rights organizations continue to highlight the injustices faced by women, pressing for accountability and reform within the oppressive system.
Within these hostile circumstances, the stories of women condemned by the very system meant to protect them remain central to the global conversation around Iran's human rights violations. The tragic reality of their executions starkly symbolizes the intersection of gender oppression and systemic violence prevalent within Iranian society.
The dialogue surrounding these executions isn't merely about numbers; it reflects the stories of women whose voices go silent amid the oppressive structures of their nation. Each execution is not just another statistic but the story of lives cut short by societal and systemic injustices, challenging advocates to continue their crusade for significant change.
With growing international awareness, the hope is to spur serious conversations around Iranian policies, pushing for those unjustly targeted to find justice. The fight for women’s rights continues to be synonymous with the broader struggle against tyranny and oppression, aiming to reshape the narrative around justice and equality within Iran.
The cries for justice for these women must resonate beyond borders and echo throughout the corridors of power, calling for meaningful reforms and the cessation of capital punishment practices. The world watches and waits for the voices of change to prevail against the backdrop of Iran’s tumultuous legal and social landscapes.