Iran executes 24 people in two days as horror killings soar

Iran has carried out 24 executions in two days – one every two hours – as the country’s use of capital punishment soars.The mass killing campaign meant that over the weekend Iranian authorities conducted an average of 12 executions a day, according to figures from human rights groups.

US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) and the Oslo-based Iran Human Rights (IHR) say the executions took place in prisons in various cities across Iran. However, in a stark comparison Iranian state media acknowledged only one case. The groups report that 23 of those executed were convicted of murder or drug-related offenses, while one person was executed in connection with an economic case. The business owner was accused of “economic corruption”, said the judiciary.

Mostly, executions are carried out in prison by hanging but some public hangings still occur. In 2024, four people were hanged in public spaces.

There are fears the number of executions may be far higher than 24 as activists have pointed out that these figures only reflect confirmed cases. Due to the lack of transparency and restrictions on reporting, the number is believed to be higher.

HRANA says that at least 152 people — among them five women and several foreign nationals — were executed in November.

It said at least 1,426 people were put to death in the first 11 months of 2025, marking a 70% rise compared with the same period last year.

Many of the executions are carried out for drug-related offences. These do not meet the threshold for “most serious crimes” under international human rights law, which include genocide or crimes against humanity.

Meanwhile, during the first four months of 2025 there was a a 75% increase in executions compared to the same peri­od in 2024.

Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO) says there were at least 343 exe­cu­tions in Iran during January to April of this year, a rise from 195 the year prior.

In April alone, there were at least 110 exe­cu­tions. According to Amnesty International and other human rights organisations, Iran ranks as the world’s second-most prolific executioner after China.