Elizabeth Throssell, Spokesperson for UN Human Rights (OHCHR) has deplored Iran's execution of Hamidreza Azari, a 17-year-old boy last Friday. The boy had been convicted of murder. He was 16 at the time of the alleged crime.
The Spokesperson also deplored the execution on the same day of 22-year-old, Milad Zohrevand, the eighth person executed in relation to the September 2022 protests sparked by Mahsa Amini's death in custody. The UN said his trial lacked due process guarantees.
The UN called on Iran to stop applying the death penalty and establish a moratorium, limiting capital punishment only to the most serious offenses. It also urged Iran to cease using criminal proceedings to punish protestors exercising free speech rights.
Iran carries out the highest number of executions, disproportionately affecting minorities. At least 582 executions occurred last year, the highest since 2015, showing a steep rise from 2021.
The UN statement demonstrates grave concern over Iran's increasing use of death sentences, including against protestors and child offenders, flouting international human rights protections. It demands Tehran halt this practice immediately.
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