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Iran’s Grim Reality: Public Executions and Torture Continue Unabated
A recent report by the United Nations has shed light on Iran’s disturbing human rights record, highlighting concerns over public executions and widespread use of torture.
Public Executions Continue Unchecked
According to the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran, public executions continue to take place in the country, often with children present. The executions are frequently staged in public spaces and residential areas, with hundreds of individuals witnessing the gruesome events. Despite assurances from Iranian authorities that measures are taken to prevent children from attending, photos show that minors are frequently present at these executions.
Dehumanizing Effect
The practice of public executions has a dehumanizing effect on both the victim and those who witness it, reinforcing the already cruel, inhumane, and degrading nature of the death penalty. The Committee recommended that Iranian authorities prohibit the use of public executions, but it appears that this recommendation has fallen on deaf ears.
Widespread Use of Torture
Furthermore, Iran’s human rights record is marred by widespread use of torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. Torture is commonly used to extract confessions from suspects, often resulting in false convictions. The State has a 40-plus year history of televising confessions on state-run broadcasts, which are frequently extracted through physical or psychological torture.
Devastating Consequences
The consequences of this brutal practice can be devastating. A recent case highlighted by Iran Human Rights involved a man who confessed to murder after being beaten extensively. He was later absolved of the charges, but not before his scheduled execution. The man’s harrowing account highlights the disturbing lengths to which Iranian authorities will go to extract confessions.
Key Questions Remain
The UN report has raised several key questions that must be addressed:
- What measures can be taken by authorities to prevent children from witnessing public executions?
- Are there policies in place to regulate media coverage of public executions, and if so, what measures are being taken to ensure that they do not perpetuate the dehumanizing effects of these events?
- What steps is the State taking to end the practice of public executions and address the widespread use of torture?
International Pressure Needed
The international community must continue to pressure Iran to respect its human rights obligations and ensure that these disturbing practices come to an end.