UN rights chief alarmed by rise in Iran executions since March - BBC News

Volker Türk says 56 people have been executed on national security-related charges, including 27 in cases linked to January's protests.

Image source, LightRocket via Getty ImagesImage caption, Opponents of the death penalty in Iran staged a protest in London's Piccadilly Circus last week

The UN human rights chief has said he is alarmed by the rise in executions in Iran, with capital punishment continuing to be used "to instil fear among the population and suppress dissent".

Volker Türk said at least 56 people had been executed on national security-related charges since 19 March, including 27 in cases linked to January's nationwide anti-government protests.

More than 100 others were at risk of execution on similar charges, while executions for drug-related offences were also continuing at an alarming rate, he added.

Iran is thought to be the world's second-most prolific executioner after China. Last year, it put to death at least 2,159 people, according to Amnesty International.