Thu Jan 01 15:36:39 UTC 2026: Here’s a summary of the text followed by a rewritten news article:
Summary:
The text is an excerpt from “The Hindu” e-paper dated January 1, 2026. It reports on a significant surge in executions in Iran during 2025, with at least 1,500 people put to death, according to Iran Human Rights (IHR). This marks an “unprecedented” increase in the past 35 years, with a large number of executions related to drug offenses. IHR links the increase to the crackdown following the 2022 protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini. The article also mentions new protests driven by economic dissatisfaction and clashes between protesters and security forces.
News Article:
Iran Executes Record Number of People in 2025, Rights Group Reports
Paris, January 1, 2026 – Iran executed at least 1,500 people in 2025, a dramatic increase that marks an “unprecedented” spike in the use of capital punishment in the last 35 years, according to a report released today by the Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR).
IHR Director, Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, expressed alarm over the provisional toll, noting the significant jump from previous years. According to IHR and French group Together Against the Death Penalty (ECPM), at least 975 people were executed in 2024. Over 700 of the 2025 executions were for drug-related offenses, indicating a harsh stance on drug crimes.
IHR claims the rise in executions is linked to the Iranian government’s efforts to suppress dissent following the widespread protests that erupted in September 2022 after the death of Mahsa Amini while in police custody for allegedly violating dress code.
“Iranian authorities use the death penalty as an instrument to create fear,” said Amiry-Moghaddam. “The aim of these executions has been to prevent new protests.”
The report coincides with new demonstrations in Iran, fueled by growing economic discontent. Recent clashes between protesters and security forces were reported in southwestern Iran, with demonstrators throwing stones and police using tear gas. While the protests are ongoing, they haven’t reached the scale of those in 2022.
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