Human Rights Watch (HRW) says incoming Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian must address widespread human rights violations by government agencies, including Iran’s security forces and judiciary.
On July 5, 2024, Pezeshkian won the runoff race of Iran’s presidential elections, defeating his hardline rival Saeed Jalili.
“Incoming Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian should confront Iran’s egregious human rights abuses, including alarming rates of executions, systemic oppression of women, and brutal repression of ethnic and religious minorities,” said Nahid Naghshbandi, acting Iran researcher at Human Rights Watch on Friday.
“Ending impunity for these injustices is essential for Pezeshkian to show Iranians that the government can address their legitimate, widespread grievances and demands for fundamental change.”
Many Iranian people and civil society groups boycotted the election. State media reported a voter turnout of 39.96 percent in the first round, the lowest in Iran’s presidential election history, though the second round saw an increase to 49.8 percent. The Guardian Council disqualified numerous candidates without explanation, including several prominent government officials.
Pezeshkian will begin his presidency in August, facing significant challenges. Major domestic issues include considerable social discontent, reflected in low election participation and repeated protests, along with a weak economy. The Woman, Life, Freedom movement and the government's response have highlighted the dire state of human rights.
A recent Amnesty International report stated that Iran executed 853 people in 2023, the highest in eight years. By March 20, at least 95 executions had been recorded in 2024.
The Baluch ethnic minority, which makes up five percent of Iran's population, constituted 20 percent of those executed in 2023. A report by Iran Human Rights revealed increased executions targeting ethnic minorities.
The military leaders included Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri, IRGC Chief Hossein Salami, Army Commander Abdolrahim Mousavi, Police Chief Ahmad-Reza Radan, and Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiani.
Despite a history of tensions with some past governments, Bagheri declared, "The armed forces are ready to assist the new government in advancing the country's affairs."
Last week, the IRGC chief-commander had congratulated Pezeshkian on his election victory, stressing the Revolutionary Guard's "all-out preparedness" for enhanced cooperation with the incoming administration.
The IRGC, founded after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, has grown into a powerful entity with substantial military, economic, and political influence. Its hardline stance contrasts sharply with the reformist agenda of greater political openness, economic liberalization, and improved relations with the West.
Administrations, like those of Presidents Mohammad Khatami and Hassan Rouhani, pushed for engagement with the West, while the IRGC remains committed to preserving revolutionary principles and resisting Western influence. This has led to frequent power struggles, with the IRGC often undermining their policies and supporting hardline candidates.
Former centrist President Hassan Rouhani sharply criticized the IRGC in 2017 for exerting influence over political and economic affairs. However, Pezeshkian, who is presented by some as a reformer, has pledged to follow policies charted by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Economically, reformist attempts to curb the IRGC's dominance in sectors like construction, telecommunications, and energy have been met with resistance, as the IRGC seeks to maintain its economic stronghold.