Tehran, Iran – Iranian authorities on Saturday publicly executed a man found guilty of raping and murdering a young girl, according to a statement by the country’s judiciary.
The execution, which took place in the northwestern city of Bukan, was carried out in public at the request of the victim’s family.
Iran’s Mizan Online news website reported that the family had been actively involved in the legal process and specifically petitioned for the execution to be held publicly.
“The case was given special attention due to the emotional impact it had on public opinion,” said Naser Atabati, the provincial chief justice, in remarks carried by Mizan.
The suspect, whose identity has not been released, was sentenced to death in March. The ruling was later upheld by Iran’s Supreme Court.
Atabati said the public nature of the hanging reflected both the wishes of the victim’s family and the wider community, emphasizing the “emotional toll” the crime had on the local population.
Public executions in Iran, typically carried out by hanging, are reserved for cases the state deems particularly heinous.
While not commonplace, they are not rare in instances involving crimes such as rape or premeditated murder.
Iran remains the world’s second-most prolific executor after China, according to human rights organizations including Amnesty International.
Rights groups have repeatedly condemned Iran’s use of the death penalty, especially in public, citing concerns over due process and human dignity.
Written by Were Kelly
