Latest news with #VolkerTurk
The Hindu
12 hours ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
United Nations alarmed by ‘worrying surge' in Iran executions
The United Nations urged Iran on Monday (July 28, 2025) to stop using the death penalty, citing a 'worrying surge in executions' this year. 'Reports that there have been several hundred executions in Iran so far this year underscore how deeply disturbing the situation has become and the urgent need for an immediate moratorium in the country on the use of the death penalty,' U.N. Human Rights chief Volker Turk said in a statement. According to information gathered by the U.N. Human Rights Office, at least 612 people were reportedly executed in the first half of 2025. The figure is more than double the number during the same period in 2024, when the Iranian authorities reportedly carried out at least 297 executions, the statement said. Minorities are disproportionately affected, it added. 'It is alarming to see the reports that indicate there are at least 48 people currently on death row — 12 of whom are believed to be at imminent risk of execution,' said Mr. Turk. The U.N. High Commissioner for human rights said information gathered by his office indicated that judicial proceedings were, in a number of cases, held behind closed doors and had consistently failed to meet due process and fair trial guarantees. Also read: Iran hangs man convicted of Israel spying, activists slam 'unfair' trial More than 40% of those executed this year were convicted of drug-related offences, his office said. Others were tried on 'broad and vague charges such as 'enmity against God' and 'corruption on Earth', which are often used by the authorities to silence dissent'. Tehran 'striving' to limit use Iran defended its use of the death penalty, saying it applied only to the most serious offences. 'The death penalty is recognised under Iran's domestic laws for a range of the most serious crimes,' said Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei. He said Tehran was 'striving to limit the use of this punishment to only the most severe crimes'. Mr. Turk said the authorities in Tehran were reviewing a draft espionage bill that would redefine 'collaboration with hostile states' — punishable by the death penalty — to include acts such as online communication, collaborating with foreign media and 'ideological alignment'. 'This bill dangerously broadens the scope of capital punishment for espionage and I call for it to be rescinded,' said Mr. Turk. Also read: Iran executes man convicted of rape Several NGOs say that Iranian authorities have arrested hundreds of people and executed dozens in a wave of repression following the 12-day war with Israel. They have accused the Islamic republic of using fear to compensate for weaknesses revealed by the conflict. Mr. Turk said, 'The death penalty is incompatible with the right to life and irreconcilable with human dignity. Instead of accelerating executions, I urge Iran to join the worldwide movement abolishing capital punishment, starting with a moratorium on all executions.' Iran ranks as the world's second-most prolific executioner after China, according to human rights groups including Amnesty International. Executions in Iran are typically carried out by hanging at dawn. Mr. Turk's call came the day after Iran executed two men, having convicted them of carrying out armed operations for the exiled opposition People's Mujahedin of Iran (MEK). 'This brutality only intensifies the outrage of the Iranian people and reinforces the determination of Iran's courageous youth to bring an end to this theocratic tyranny,' MEK leader Maryam Rajavi said on X. Rajavi is president of the National Council of Resistance of Iran, the political wing of the MEK, which Tehran regards as a 'terrorist' group.
LBCI
19 hours ago
- Politics
- LBCI
UN says Iran executions surge 'deeply disturbing'
The United Nations on Monday urged Iran to stop using the death penalty, citing a "worrying surge in executions" that has seen at least 612 people killed so far this year. "Reports that there have been several hundred executions in Iran so far this year underscore how deeply disturbing the situation has become and the urgent need for an immediate moratorium in the country on the use of the death penalty," said a statement from U.N. human rights chief Volker Turk. AFP
New Indian Express
21 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Surge in Iran executions worrying, says UN
GENEVA: The United Nations on Monday urged Iran to stop using the death penalty, citing a "worrying surge in executions" that has included at least 612 people being killed so far this year. "Reports that there have been several hundred executions in Iran so far this year underscore how deeply disturbing the situation has become and the urgent need for an immediate moratorium in the country on the use of the death penalty," said a statement from UN human rights chief Volker Turk. According to information gathered by the UN Human Rights Office, at least 612 people were reportedly executed in the first half of 2025. The figure is more than double the number during the same period in 2024, when the Iranian authorities reportedly carried out at least 297 executions, the statement said. Minorities are disproportionately affected, it added. "It is alarming to see the reports that indicate there are at least 48 people currently on death row -- 12 of whom are believed to be at imminent risk of execution," said Turk.
The Sun
a day ago
- Politics
- The Sun
UN warns of worrying surge in Iran executions in 2025
GENEVA: The United Nations has called on Iran to halt executions following a sharp rise in capital punishments, with at least 612 people executed in the first half of 2025. UN human rights chief Volker Turk described the situation as 'deeply disturbing,' urging an immediate moratorium on the death penalty. The UN Human Rights Office reported that the number of executions has more than doubled compared to the same period in 2024, when at least 297 people were executed. Minorities are disproportionately affected, with at least 48 individuals currently on death row, 12 of whom face imminent execution. Turk highlighted concerns over judicial fairness, stating that many trials were held behind closed doors and failed to meet due process standards. Over 40% of executions this year involved drug-related offences, while others faced vague charges like 'enmity against God' and 'corruption on Earth,' often used to suppress dissent. Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, rank Iran as the world's second-most prolific executioner after China. Executions are typically carried out by hanging at dawn. NGOs accuse Iranian authorities of intensifying repression following the 12-day war with Israel, using executions to instil fear. – AFP
Al Arabiya
a day ago
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
UN rights chief urges countries to pressure Israel ahead of Palestinian statehood talks
Volker Turk, the UN human rights chief, urged countries participating in an upcoming conference on Palestinian statehood in New York to mount pressure on Israel to end the 'carnage' in Gaza. 'Every day, we are watching the unspeakable tragedy in Gaza and the West Bank with horror and frustration,' he said in a video statement. Dozens of ministers will gather at the United Nations on Monday for a delayed conference to work toward a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians. The conference is co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia. Ahead of tomorrow's High-Level Conference on Palestine—I urge all parties to put all possible pressure on #Israel to end the carnage in #Gaza & work towards tangible progress on a two-State solution The world will judge this Conference on what it delivers — Volker Türk (@volker_turk) July 27, 2025 It aims to lay out an outline for a roadmap to a Palestinian state, while ensuring Israel's safety. The US and Israel are boycotting the event. Turk called for 'immediate and unhindered' humanitarian access and delivery of aid to Palestinians in Gaza facing acute starvation. 'I urge governments to use the opportunity of this conference for concrete action that puts all possible pressure on the Israeli government to end the carnage in Gaza permanently,' Turk said.
