The report sets out the number of executions in 2016, the trend compared to previous years, charges, geographic distribution and a monthly breakdown of executions. Lists of the women and juvenile offenders executed in 2016 are also included in tables at the end of the report. In this report, we will provide data which, in particular, sheds light on the role of the Revolutionary Courts in recent executions.

The 8th annual report on the death penalty in Iran shows that the Islamic Republic of Iran had one of the darkest years of its history with reference to the number of executions. On average between two and three people were hanged every single day in 2015. This stands in contrast to the fact that 2015 also was the year when the Islamic Republic of Iran emerged out of several years of isolation.

This short report shows how the execution pattern in Iran has changed from 2011 to 2015. It shows among others that the average daily number of the executions, number of drug-related executions, months and weekdays when the executions normally take place.

The number of executions conducted in 2014 is the highest in more than 15 years. Moreover, a comparison of the execution rates in the 18 months before and after the election of Mr. Rouhani shows a significant increase in the use of the death penalty after Rouhani’s election. There has also been the highest number of reported juvenile executions since 1990. In addition, Iranian authorities continue execution for non-violent civil and political activists.

The present report is being published while diplomatic relations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the international community are at their strongest following the election of Hassan Rouhani as Iran’s president in June 2013. In 2014 there have been high level meetings between the Iranian authorities and governments of many Western countries. In addition to visits by hundreds of lawmakers and politicians from the Western countries, top EU officials and foreign ministers.

The fifth annual report of Iran Human Rights (IHR) on the death penalty in Iran is an assessment of how the death penalty was used in 2012. Due to harsh crackdowns on civil society, non-existing freedom of press and lack of transparency of the Iranian judicial system, the present report by no means covers all death penalty cases in Iran. The report is the result of efforts by human rights defenders, members and affiliates of IHR in Iran.