KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – An Iranian human rights group says Iran executed seven Afghan nationals last month amid a sharp rise in the country’s use of the death penalty.
The Hengaw Organization for Human Rights reported that at least 163 people were executed in Iran during May 2025 — a 143% increase compared to the same period last year.
The group did not provide details on the identities or charges against the Afghan nationals executed last month. However, it said most of those executed were convicted of murder or drug-related offenses.
Iranian state media and judicial officials have not confirmed or commented on the executions.
Iran has one of the highest execution rates in the world. The country regularly applies capital punishment for crimes including murder, drug trafficking, rape, and political activity.
Rights groups say executions of Afghan nationals in Iran have risen sharply since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021. According to Norway-based Iran Human Rights, 16 Afghans were executed in 2022, 25 in 2023, and at least 80 in 2024. So far in 2025, at least 33 Afghan nationals have been executed.
Similar practices continue in Afghanistan, where the Taliban regime has executed at least ten people for murder since returning to power.
The UN and human rights organizations have condemned these executions as violations of international law. They have urged both Iran and the Taliban to stop the practice.
Amnesty International says that the death penalty, without exception, violates the right to life under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
