Iran has executed up to 150 people since President Rowhani took office in August in a surge of public hangings that belies his pledge to end the repression of the previous regime.
Mr Rowhani’s benign overtures to the West in recent weeks have raised hopes of a breakthrough in the stand-off over Iran’s disputed nuclear programme. However, at home, the early days of his presidency have been marked by the rise in executions.
The President swept to power in June’s election with promises of a more moderate and just society. but human rights groups report that the rate of executions across Iran is accelerating. They are concerned that with Mr Rowhani proffering a deal on the nuclear issue within months, the international community is unwilling