Amnesty International warning: Thousands at risk of execution in Iran

Amnesty International Warns of Escalating Execution Crisis in Iran

Amnesty International has raised alarm over what it describes as a deepening execution crisis in Iran, warning that “thousands of people are at risk of execution” and that the wave of death sentences and hangings by the Islamic Republic “has reached horrific proportions.”

In a letter dated September 10, 2025, addressed to Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, head of Iran’s judiciary, the human rights organization wrote:

“The execution crisis in Iran continues and has reached horrific dimensions. Thousands of individuals sentenced to death — including for drug-related offenses or very broad and vague charges following grossly unfair trials — are at risk of execution, or are facing interrogations or prosecution on serious charges that could carry the death penalty.”

Amnesty noted that since the 2022 “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement, Iranian authorities have increasingly relied on the death penalty as a tool of repression. More than 800 people have been executed since the beginning of 2025 alone.

Lack of Transparency and Broad Charges

Amnesty emphasized that Iranian authorities refuse to release official statistics on executions. As a result, the true number of those sentenced to death or facing capital charges remains unknown. Still, official statements suggest that the number is alarmingly high.

The letter warned that Revolutionary Courts, which oversee national security and drug-related cases, routinely conduct unfair trials and impose heavy sentences without judicial independence. Defendants are systematically denied their right to a fair trial.

Charges often include “enmity against God (moharebeh)” and “corruption on earth (efsad-e fel-arz),” terms Amnesty says are overly broad and inconsistent with international legal standards.

Mass Arrests and Rising Executions

The organization also pointed to the arrest of more than 20,000 people following the 12-day conflict between Israel and the Islamic Republic. Hundreds of these detainees have been accused of espionage — charges that could carry the death penalty under the same vague legal provisions.

Recent reports highlighted the execution of seven prisoners in Urmia and Ghezel Hesar prisons, while six others were transferred for imminent execution.

Expanding the Use of the Death Penalty

Amnesty drew attention to statements from judicial officials calling for “swift trials and harsh punishments, including executions,” particularly for those accused of supporting or collaborating with Israel.

The Iranian parliament has also passed new legislation that, if approved by the Guardian Council, would further expand the scope of the death penalty. Legal experts have already warned that this bill represents a “major disaster” in the making.

Amnesty International’s Demands

In its appeal to the judiciary chief, Amnesty International urged immediate and concrete action:

“I urge you to immediately halt all scheduled executions, annul all death sentences, and officially suspend all executions with the aim of fully abolishing the death penalty. In the meantime, take steps to align national laws with international standards, including abolishing the death penalty for drug-related offenses and vague charges, and eliminating mandatory death sentences.”

The letter also calls for the creation of an independent body to review death penalty cases.

Global Response

The United Nations has likewise urged Iran to halt its growing use of executions.

The United States has issued a separate warning to the Islamic Republic, demanding an end to the execution of protesters and political prisoners. Washington called on Tehran to stop repressing those who are peacefully demanding fundamental freedoms.