Iran continues executions as military conflict dominates public attention

Iran executed at least 71 people in July, bringing the total to 444 from January 1 to July 31, according to Iran Human Rights (IHR). This includes six protesters in July and 28 protesters in the first seven months of the year. While international attention focuses on Iran's military conflicts, human rights advocates note that domestic arrests, death sentences, and abuses are less visible. Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, director of IHR, stated, "So, it seems that we are going back to the way it used to be, that we have daily executions." The executions encompass charges such as murder, drug trafficking, and security-related offenses. Rights advocates express concern that the ongoing military operations are being used to justify increased arrests and harsher sentences under the guise of national security, creating a climate of intimidation that impacts freedom of expression.