Iran has continued with its mass executions ahead of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month, with an estimated 32 prisoners having been sent to the gallows.
A total of 25 prisoners were hung en masse on Gohardasht (Rajai Shahr) Prison in Karaj alone, marking one of the largest known mass executions to be carried out by a government this year.
The Iranian government has also confirmed that death sentences have been passed for an additional 10 inmates. According to Amnesty International, Iran trails only China in regards to the number of prisoners executed per year.
International condemnation of the current Iranian government has been increasing ahead of the the June 30th nuclear energy deadline. While the Obama administration continues to push for a deal, more opponents are coming out of the wood works, opposing both the regime and the deal for various reasons.
Global pressure on Iran building
The National Council of Resistance of Iran, a fierce opponent of the current Iranian government, released a 10 point plan over the past weekend, which called for the end of the death penalty, as well as the separation of church and state, and other reforms.
The NCRI is not alone in its skepticism of the Iranian regime. Former CIA director James Woolsey addressed a huge crowd of Iranian dissidents this past weekend at a rally just outside of Paris. He slammed the current regime, stating that it cannot be trusted, both due to its past actions, and also the approach it has taken throughout the nuclear negotiations.
Howard Dean, often known for his moderate and balanced approach in geopolitics, was equally critical. Dean called the “mullahs” terrorists and warned against “giving the mullahs $150 billion to spend spreading terrorism” by ending the sanctions.
Whether or not Iran can come to terms with global powers concerning its nuclear energy program, which the government claims is only for peaceful purposes, remains to be seen.
