Iran's Executions Surge to Spread Fear, Says Rights Group.

Executions in Iran increased by 75% in 2022, with at least 582 hangings documented by human rights organizations. The report suggests that the death penalty is being used as a tool of intimidation and oppression by the Iranian regime to maintain its power and instill fear in the population. The majority of executions were for criminal reasons, but the death penalty is also being used against ethnic and religious minorities. Security forces have been accused of deliberately blinding protesters and using combat weapons against demonstrations. The UNODC has been criticized for its lack of response to the situation.