This report by Amnesty International highlights Iran’s use of executions as a blanket solution to social problems, including for drugs offenses despite the lack of evidence supporting the death penalty’s deterrent effect. Those charged and sentenced to death for drug offenses include minors and a disproportionate number of foreign nationals—mainly Afghan. The report calls for an end to the practice and for UN agencies and donor countries to reassess their funding agreements in order to apply pressure towards Iran to end this widespread practice.
Citation: Amnesty International Report, ‘Addicted to Death: Executions for Drugs Offenses in Iran’ (2011) MDE 13/090/2011