Iran executed at least 29 convicts in a single day on Wednesday, including 26 in a group execution at Ghezelhesar Prison in Karaj, according to the Norway-based Iran Human Rights group.

Three additional men were executed in Karaj’s city prison. The convicts, which included two Afghan nationals, were sentenced for charges of murder, drug-related crimes, and rape.

Other human rights organizations, including HRANA and CHRI, confirmed the mass executions. These executions follow international condemnation for a recent execution linked to the 2022 protests.

Human rights groups accuse Iran, the second-highest executor after China, of using the death penalty to instill fear in response to protests, the Times of Israel has reported.

IHR director Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam warned that without international intervention, more individuals could fall victim to Iran’s extensive use of capital punishment.

IHR noted that such a large group execution has not been seen in Iran since 2009.

Written by B.C. Begley