Executions in Iran rose to 901 in 2024, the highest since 2015, including 31 women, some convicted for defending themselves against domestic violence or forced marriage, according to the U.N.

Most executions were for drug-related offenses, but political dissidents and protesters linked to the 2022 unrest over Mahsa Amini’s death were also among the victims. U.N.

Human Rights Chief Volker Türk called the rise “deeply disturbing,” AOL.com has reported.

Despite promises by reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian to improve protections for women and minorities, executions remain alarmingly high.

Written by B.C. Begley