Surge in Executions and Escalating Crackdown on Political Opposition

In recent days, the unprecedented intensification of executions in Iran has become one of the most alarming indicators of the political and social crisis shaking the country. Between November 25 and 28, 2023, 27 people were executed, equating to one execution every three and a half hours.

A Strategy of Intimidation Through Increased Executions

Last week, the Iranian judiciary sentenced six political prisoners to death: Abolhassan Montazer, Pouya Ghobadi, Vahid Bani-Amirian, Babak Alipour, Ali-Akbar Daneshvarkar, and Mohammad Taghavi. Accused of crimes such as “membership in the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran” and “armed rebellion,” these individuals were targeted after months of interrogations and torture. These sentences are clearly intended to instill fear among the population and deter any political opposition.

In October, executions occurred at a rate of one every four hours. Today, this frequency has increased, reflecting less a judicial development than the regime’s desperate reaction to a critical situation aimed at preventing massive uprisings.

Economic Crisis: A Key Driver of Widespread Discontent

Iran’s deepening economic crisis is one of the main drivers of popular discontent and increasing protests. In his most recent speech, the regime’s new president, Massoud Pezeshkian, indirectly acknowledged the crisis, warning that its persistence could lead to widespread demonstrations. However, he refrained from identifying those responsible for this catastrophic situation, which has driven more than two-thirds of the population below the poverty line.

Even state-controlled media cannot hide the severity of the crisis. On November 25, 2023, the daily newspaper “Islamic Republic” ran the headline: “Fear the Revolution of the Hungry Army”, denouncing the situation: “Each day, the economic crisis worsens, the poor grow poorer, the rich grow richer, and society is increasingly engulfed by an arrogant and insensitive elite.”

In this context, the conditions are ripe for even larger and more organized protests. In response to this growing threat, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, in a speech to the Basij paramilitary forces on November 25, urged them to prepare to suppress “riots” and “rioters.”

One of the regime’s main strategies to stifle protests is to increase death sentences, particularly targeting members of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran, PMOI, and other political opponents.

In a recent report, UN Special Rapporteur Javaid Rehman described two major waves of political massacres—in 1982 and 1988—as acts of “genocide.” During the 1988 massacre, 90% of the victims were members of the Mojahedin. According to Rehman, the Iranian regime executed its opponents solely because of their political, ethnic, or religious beliefs.

Since 2019, the Iranian government has intensified death sentences targeting PMOI sympathizers. Ahead of potential protests, the regime appears to be stepping up efforts to suppress political prisoners, aiming to thwart any movement of resistance. According to recent reports, over 3,600 family members and supporters of the Mojahedin have been arrested. Their identities have been submitted to the UN by the Iranian opposition in an effort to protect them.

International Reactions: Calls for Action and Condemnations

On November 20, 2023, the United Nations adopted its 71st resolution against the Iranian regime in response to severe and systematic human rights violations. Maryam