The number of executions in Iran have surged by 24% in the last year with at least 659 carried out since last October. 

The revelations come from a report compiled by the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), identifying the provinces of Alborz, Sistan and Baluchestan, and Kerman as the primary locations where most of these executions occurred.

According to HRANA's data, the period from October 10, 2022, to October 8, 2023, said seven of the executions took place in public settings. The report highlights a disturbing trend of escalating executions in the country, as evidenced by a comparison with the statistics of the past three years.

Zahedan Prison in Sunni Province of Sistan and Baluchestan emerges as one of the facilities with the highest number of executions, recording 60 executions in total. Of those executed in the past year, nearly 57 percent faced charges related to "drug-related crimes," while 35 percent were executed for "murder."

The report also underscores that approximately three percent of the executed individuals in Iran during the past year faced charges associated with politics, security, and religious beliefs. It further draws attention to the execution of at least seven individuals who were arrested during the Women, Life, Freedom protests.

The widespread issuance and execution of death sentences in Iran are occurring at a time when many of the accused lack access to fair trials, the ability to choose their legal representation, and the right to a proper defense.