Iran Amputates Hands of Repeat Theft Offenders Despite Global Condemnation
In a practice that has drawn international criticism, Iran has carried out the amputation of hands on three men in the north-west of the country. According to local media reports on Friday, the men, arrested in 2024, had been convicted of theft and also allegedly refused to cooperate with authorities to return the stolen gold and jewelry, which weighed several kilos.
The Islamic Republic of Iran’s penal code allows for such severe punishments, including amputation for repeat offenders. This controversial practice aims to induce remorse in convicted criminals and deter them, as well as others, from committing further offenses. Typically, the surgery is performed by forensic doctors.
However, the use of such draconian punishments as amputation, or stoning, has been strongly condemned both globally and within Iran itself. Human rights organizations and international bodies classify these penalties as inhumane. The UN has repeatedly urged Iran to abolish these punishments, stating that they violate international human rights law.
“This practice is a shocking assault on human dignity,” said one UN spokesperson. “There is no possible circumstance under which these punishments can be justified.”
The application of these harsh penalties reflects Iran’s strict interpretation of Sharia law, which is enshrined in its Islamic legal system. Since the Iranian Revolution in 1979, the country has implemented strict codes of behavior and severe penalties to enforce them, including amputation for theft, rape, and adultery, as well as death for murder, drug trafficking, and certain acts of espionage or apostasy.
Despite global outcry, these penalties continue to be carried out, often drawing attention to Iran’s human rights record. The latest incident underscores the ongoing debate over the Islamic Republic’s application of justice and human rights.
