(Beirut) – The Iranian authorities should approve proposed drug law amendments to end the use of the death penalty for all nonviolent drug offenses. The authorities should also investigate and bring to justice those responsible for abuses of prisoners held on drug charges.

In interviews in March and November 2015, with eight prisoners on death row or awaiting sentencing on drug-related charges that carry the death penalty, Human Rights Watch documented serious due process and other violations. The interviewees are among more than 2,000 people held in a unit of Ghezel Hesar prison, most of whom have been sentenced to death on drug charges.

Iran’s anti-drug law, under amendments that went into effect in 2011, expanded the offenses that could carry the death penalty, including possession of more than 30 grams of synthetic drugs like methamphetamines. Previously, the law mandated the death penalty for trafficking, possession, or trade of more than five kilograms of opium; 30 grams of heroin or morphine; repeated offenses involving smaller amounts; or the manufacture of more than 50 grams of synthetic drugs. The law also allows for corporal punishment in the case of less serious drug crimes.

According to the October 2015 report of the United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in Iran, at least 69 percent of executions during the first six months of 2015 were for drug-related offenses. Iran executed at least 830 people between January 1 and November 1.

https://www.hrw.org/news/2015/12/16/...nse-executions