Iran's May Executions Reach Record High with 142 Deaths: Rights Group

Iran has executed over 300 people this year, with 142 people executed in May alone, the highest monthly figure since 2015, according to Norway-based Iran Human Rights (IHR). The surge in hangings is believed to be an attempt to strike fear into the population and quell the protest movement that erupted in September. Ethnic minorities are disproportionately targeted, particularly over drug and murder convictions. The IHR warns that if the international community doesn't react, hundreds more will fall victim to Iran's "killing machine" in the coming months.