Iran executed at least 161 individuals in October, marking the highest monthly total for 2024, according to the Hengaw Human Rights Organization. The number reflects an increase of 83 executions, or 106.5%, from September’s figures, Hengaw reported on Saturday.

Hengaw confirmed the identities of 149 executed individuals and is verifying the details of the remaining 12 cases. A separate monitor, the Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), documented 145 executions in October, highlighting the ongoing challenges in verifying exact figures as Iranian authorities do not publish official statistics on executions.

So far in 2024, Iran has executed over 600 people, with more than 120 of those being Kurds, according to Hengaw’s reports. In October alone, Kurds accounted for 22 of those executed, alongside 21 Turkish, 15 Baloch, 12 Lur, 5 Arab, 3 Gilak, and 2 Turkmen prisoners, Hengaw stated. The death penalty has frequently targeted minority groups like Kurds and Baluchis, particularly following their participation in the 2022 “Jin, Jiyan, Azadi” (Women, Life, Freedom) protests.

Among the executions in October were two high-profile cases: German-Iranian national Jamshid Sharmahd and an individual who was a minor at the time of their crime.

Amnesty International reports that Iran ranks second globally in known executions. In April, Amnesty documented a surge in Iran’s executions, with 853 people executed in 2023—a 48% increase from 2022. Among those executed last year were 144 Kurdish prisoners, a stark rise from the 52 Kurdish executions in 2022, Hengaw reported.

The spike in executions is raising alarm among human rights advocates who have seen a steady increase over recent years, particularly concerning the suppression of minority groups.