Iran Publicly Executes Man Convicted of Rape in Semnan Province
The Islamic Republic of Iran recently carried out a public execution of a man convicted of raping two women in the northern Semnan province. The judiciary confirmed on November 25 that the sentence was enforced in the town of Bastam, following its affirmation by the Supreme Court.
Judicial Confirmation and Details of the Crime
Mr. Mohammad Akbari, who heads the provincial judiciary, stated that the ruling had been "confirmed and enforced after precise review by the Supreme Court," according to Mizan Online, the official judiciary news outlet. Authorities revealed that the man had "deceived two women and committed rape by force and coercion," further noting his use of "intimidation and threats" to exploit the victims' fear of reputational damage.
The identity of the individual executed and the specific date of his initial sentencing were not immediately disclosed to the public.
Context of Executions in Iran
While executions in Iran typically occur within prison walls, this particular incident marks the second public hanging in a short span, coming just two weeks after another man was publicly executed for murder. Rights organizations, including Amnesty International, frequently highlight Iran's position as the world’s second most prolific executor, trailing only China, with most capital punishments administered by hanging.
This event underscores ongoing concerns regarding capital punishment practices in the nation.