The Islamic Republic has increased its frequency of prisoner executions since Iranian President Hassan Rowhani was elected to office June 15, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Between June 20 and July 20, at least 97 Iranian prisoners were executed. That's the regime's official count; as a rule, the actual numbers are higher. By contrast, in July 2012 there were 29 confirmed executions.
According to the Human Rights & Democracy for Iran, there have been 317 executions in Iran this year. There were 570 executions in 2012 and 681 in 2011.
The arrival in August of a new Iranian presidential team provides an opportunity to bring up the issue of the arbitrary and repeated use of capital punishment in Iran and the systematic violation of due process of law and Iran’s obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Rowhani assumed office on Sunday, Aug. 4.
