Iran Publicly Executes Man for Child Rape, Murder in West Azerbaijan

Iranian authorities publicly executed a man convicted of raping and murdering a young girl in the northwestern city of Bukan, following a death sentence upheld by the Supreme Court. The execution was carried out at the request of the victim’s family and due to strong public outcry, with the case receiving special attention for its emotional impact on society, as stated by Naser Atabati, the provincial chief justice. The trial involved the victim's family, the accused, and legal representatives, maintaining full legal transparency throughout the process. Under Iranian law, both rape and murder are capital offenses, and Iran ranks as the world's second-highest executor after China, according to human rights organizations. Additionally, a separate public execution occurred in northwestern Iran for a man convicted of murdering four women, also carried out following legal procedures and public and victims’ family demands. These cases illustrate Iran's use of public executions in response to especially serious crimes and societal demands for justice.