46 countries, in a joint statement at the UN Human Rights Council, condemned the Islamic Republic’s increased use of the death penalty and expressed concern about the execution of protesters and death sentences related to protests and fundamental freedoms. The statement was read on Wednesday, October 8, by Liechtenstein’s representative.

In the statement, it said that at least 31 protesters have been executed after the crackdown on the January protests, and dozens of other protesters, including women and children, have been sentenced to death or face the risk of having their sentence carried out.

Citing the findings of UN experts, the signatory countries said the Islamic Republic uses the death penalty to instill fear, suppress opponents, and prevent the expression of views and peaceful gatherings.

The statement also expressed concern about holding closed-door trials, violations of due process rights, torture and ill-treatment, enforced disappearances, and forced confessions, and called for an end to the implementation of death sentences.

Among the supporters of the statement are the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Canada, Australia, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, and several other European countries.