Iran executes 21, arrests over 4,000 since West Asia conflict began: UN

Kathmandu. Iran has executed at least 21 people and arrested more than 4,000 since the West Asia war began, the United Nations said on Wednesday.

At least nine people have been executed in connection with protests since the war began in late February, with an additional 10 executed on charges of membership in opposition groups and two on charges of espionage, the UN Human Rights Office said. Meanwhile, it is estimated that more than four thousand people have been arrested on national security-related charges.

During the conflict, many prisoners have been subjected to enforced disappearances, torture, or cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk issued a statement noting that serious allegations, including forced confessions, have limited the rights of the Iranian people. He called on authorities to halt further executions, ensure full guarantees of fair trials through due process, and immediately release those arbitrarily detained.

Human rights groups, including Amnesty International, have stated that Iran executes people annually on various charges.