Drug-Related Executions Surging in Iran

Fears are mounting that thousands of people have been sentenced to death and are at risk of execution or are facing investigations or prosecution on capital drug-related offences, amid a horrific surge in executions in Iran. In 2023, at least 481 people were executed for drug-related offences – over half of the total of at least 853 executions carried out. Members of the oppressed Baluchi minority were disproportionately impacted, accounting for 29% of all drug-related executions, despite making up about 5% of the population.