UN Says Iran Uses the Death Penalty “as a Tool of State Intimidation”Condemns “Disproportionate targeting of ethnic minorities and migrants”In a forceful statement issued by the UN’s top human rights expert on August 29, 2025, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk demanded that the Islamic Republic of Iran immediately cease all executions and impose a moratorium on the death penalty. The application of the death penalty in Iran violates every single law, standard, and norm regarding capital punishment. It should never be imposed for conduct that is protected under international human rights law. We call on the Government of Iran not to implement the death penalty against these and other individuals on death row. Once again, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk calls on Iran to impose a moratorium on the application of the capital punishment, as a step towards its abolition.