Increasing Executions, Death Sentences in Iran

We join the international community in expressing concern about the increase in executions in Iran – at least 36 executions have been reported in the Iranian and international press since January 1, 2008. We are also concerned about the growing number of cases in which the death sentence is imposed after trials that were neither fair nor transparent. We are troubled that individuals are being sentenced to death, including by stoning, for crimes that do not meet the standards outlined in the International Covenant for Civil and Political Rights, which Iran has ratified.

We urge the Iranian regime to adhere to its international obligations and commitments and offer all defendants fair and transparent trials.