House Iran Human Rights co-chairs condemn recent surge in Iranian executions

House Iran Human Rights and Democracy Caucus co-chairs Tom McClintock and Steve Cohen condemned in a statement Monday a recent uptick in executions of Iranians, which have been carried out to quell uprisings in the country.

A report by Amnesty International last month found that executions in Iran had reached an eight-year high in 2023, after the country executed 853 individuals. But in the span of just 10 days, another 37 have been executed, the congressmen noted.

The lawmakers also highlighted an increase in brutality among women and young girls in Iran, which stem from a 2022 uprising after the death of Mahsa Amini, who died while in police custody for allegedly not wearing her hijab correctly.

"These acts are not only reprehensible but also represent a systematic attempt by the regime to quash any form of opposition or criticism," the lawmakers said in the joint statement. "As representatives of the American people and staunch advocates for human rights and democracy, we stand in solidarity with the people of Iran. We support their right to live in a society free of fear and repression and their right to express dissent without facing the ultimate punishment."

The two congressmen also called on the international community to condemn the recent executions, including the United Nations, the European Union, and human rights organizations. They also urged the Biden administration to hold the Iranian government accountable, including by using economic and diplomatic tools.

"We urge immediate action to address this ruthless campaign of terror against the Iranian people," the lawmakers said. "The Iranian regime must understand that its actions have consequences and that the international community will not stand by in silence."