Iran executes 8, including two Afghans, amid rising criticism

The Human Rights Organization of Iran has reported the execution of eight individuals, including two Afghan nationals, in the Qazal Hisar prison. According to the organization’s statement, issued on Friday, these individuals were executed on charges of theft and murder. The two Afghans were reportedly executed for sexual assault, though their identities remain undisclosed. The execution orders were issued last Wednesday.

This follows a series of recent executions in Iran. Just last week, an Afghan named Nisar Ahmed was executed in Mashhad’s Vakilabad prison on drug trafficking charges. In a separate incident, 14 people, including two more Afghans, were executed in Shiraz Central Prison.

Iran has faced mounting international pressure to halt its escalating rate of executions. Human rights organizations and global leaders have condemned the recent surge in executions, calling on the Iranian government to stop the practice amid concerns over due process and the severity of the charges.