Iranian authorities executed 163 people, including seven Afghan nationals, in May, according to a report released Sunday by Hengaw, a human rights organisation.

The group said the number of executions carried out this year has surged by 143 percent compared to the same period in 2024. In May of last year, 67 executions were recorded.

Hengaw reported that those executed had been convicted on charges including espionage for Israel, murder, drug-related offences, rape and armed robbery.

The group also noted that only six of the 163 executions were officially announced by the Iranian government or state-affiliated media. The remainder, it said, were conducted in secret across various prisons in the country.

Iran continues to face international criticism over its use of capital punishment, particularly in cases involving non-violent crimes and amid concerns over due process.