Faith

Family Entertainment? Iranians Debate Taking Kids to Public Executions (GRAPHIC)

Family Entertainment? Iranians Debate Tradition of Taking Kids to Public Executions

Iranian child watches execution (photo from Asr-e Emrooz, June 7, 2012 via MEMRI)

While school is out for summer, American parents are taking their kids to the movies, amusement parks, local playgrounds and entertainment venues near and far. In Iran, starkly different ideas about what constitutes family fun have prevailed and are now the subject of debate in the Islamic Republic.

In a new study, MEMRI – the Middle East Media Research Institute – reports the tradition of bringing children to watch public hangings is being criticized on some moderate conservative websites that its researchers examined. Even more shocking, this photo from Iranhr.net appears to show a child participating in executing a convict by pulling the chair from under him. TheBlaze is unable to confirm the authenticity of the photos posted online in Iran and publicized for Western eyes by MEMRI.

Family Entertainment? Iranians Debate Tradition of Taking Kids to Public Executions

According to MEMRI, arrow points to a child pulling chair from under convicted murderer (photo from Iranhr.net, March 4)

According to MEMRI’s translators, Jafar Mohammadi who edits what they describe as a moderate conservative website, Asr-e Iran, wrote that the public’s appetite to watch executions is “a sign of social sickness,” while he urged authorities to ban the presence of children at an event that could cause them “irreparable damage.” Supporters of the practice insist executions strengthen security in Iran, with one governor even calling for them to be televised. Iran ranks second in the world after China in numbers of citizens executed per year, according to Amnesty International.

An Iranian reporter for Mehr described the almost festive scene leading up to the public execution of four convicted rapists this past spring in Tehran. More than 100 showed up at 10pm the night before to get a good view for an event to which thousands would arrive:

It’s four AM, and pouring with rain. [Nevertheless], the streets leading to the place of execution are packed with police cars and with local people who have come to watch the sentence being carried out. The closer we get, the more crowded it is, with youngsters and teenagers forming the majority of spectators.

Family Entertainment? Iranians Debate Tradition of Taking Kids to Public Executions

Children at public execution according to Iranian Asr-e Emrooz website, June 7th.

Website editor Jafar Mohammadi wrote on June 20th:

Now we come to the question that sociologists must address out of concern [for society]: Why does the public hunger to watch executions? This is not the first time [we have seen] the public, in Tehran and other cities, displaying such enthusiasm for execution ceremonies, as if money were being distributed at these [events]. Is the sight of some criminals dying so appealing that people [are willing to] wait from midnight until dawn, even in the rain, and to forgo sleep, just to see them executed, and also film [the event]? Many people even climb onto walls and utility poles so they don’t miss a single moment[…]

It makes no sense for a healthy society to exhibit such an intense hunger to watch executions… A father takes his five-year-old daughter or young son, and even buys them ice cream on the way, and then forces them to watch the cruel moments of execution – what sort of message is he giving them?

[Even] if public executions have some benefit, families must be warned about the psychological impact of allowing children and teenagers to watch them. If parents take their children [to executions] out of stupidity, or because they do not know their role [as parents], the police should turn them away from the place of execution – because young children who have committed no crime should not have to witness the scene of death and suffer their whole lives because they saw this unforgettable [sight]. Protecting Iran’s children is more important than executing criminals.

Another website Asr-e Emrooz compared bringing kids to executions with violent computer games “marketed as part of [a plot] with destructive Zionist goals”:

There is no doubt that just like violent computer games and horror films, watching the ‘live’ execution of criminals can have a destructive effect on children and encourage acts of violence on their part. If there is a law against children attending these ceremonies, the relevant officials in charge must tighten supervision and prevent them from [attending them]. If there is no such law, this article will hopefully cause families to exercise more caution, and prompt the regime to pass a new law addressing this problem.

On the other hand, MEMRI quotes the deputy head of the judicial system, Ebrahim Raisi, who suggested the impact on children is one of the factors judges weigh in sentencing:

[The punishment of] public execution is imposed by a judge, who weighs all the aspects, [including] the social climate, before imposing it. According to the police and the intelligence ministry, the firmness of the judicial branch in [combating] social and economic corruption strengthens security in [our] society.

According to Amnesty International, at least 360 Iranians were executed in 2011 for murder, drug trafficking, adultery, sodomy and other offenses – four times the number executed the year before. Among those were at least three minors, which is in violation of international law. Iran has operated under Sharia law since the 1979 revolution. This past June, Iranian media reported that two Iranians were sentenced to death for the repeat offense of drinking alcohol.

Comments (49)

1 2
  • Constantine Ivanov
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 11:45pm

    Like you it or not, it’s not a “family entertainment”; it’s a family upbringing.
    It may seem barbarian, but the statistics says it’s quite effective: there are a lot less criminal offences per capita in those countries than in the USA.

    Report Post » Constantine Ivanov  
    • Passerby
      Posted on August 7, 2012 at 12:29am

      False, most Muslim countries have a lot more crime than the US. Often, the most draconian, like Afghanistan is run by criminal gangs.

      Report Post » Passerby  
    • Constantine Ivanov
      Posted on August 7, 2012 at 1:01am

      @PASSERBY:
      Google it. “Statistics on crimes per capita in Muslim countries versus the USA”
      I use very much available sources.
      It seems you don‘t like the facts that don’t comply with your vision and you are trying to “bring the facts into accord with your imagination.” It’s a tough task. -:)

      As for Afghanistan, this is the country that does exist only on drug production and trafficking. Therefore, in our Western eyes, it looks like nothing but criminal gangs.
      But this is the only criminal industry that seriously affects the crime rate per capita in that particular country.
      As for other crimes, the overall crime rate is relatively low in Afghanistan, too. Particularly because taliban are ruthlessly punishing for even slightest crimes.

      Report Post » Constantine Ivanov  
  • cosmic dogma
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 5:03pm

    Sickko insane religion. Can’t even imagine, in my wildest nightmares, subjecting a child to this horror.

    Report Post »  
    • vanman4446
      Posted on August 7, 2012 at 6:18pm

      You got it. A sick religion and sick people that join it

      Report Post »  
  • Ted Zeppelin
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 4:55pm

    Muslims are conditioned from birth to become terrorists though not all Muslims are terrorists just yet. In order to round out their training, they should be given front row seats to executions. This way they will better understand their role in the future killing of infidels. They’ll learn hanging is too slow. Many more Jews and Christians can be killed by strapping in a bomb or becoming the next Maj. Hassad.

    Report Post »  
  • rednckpreacher
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:38pm

    We Americans come from a sick perverted society dont we! If you will examine Old B&W photos from the wild west and East too for that matter you will find a lot of photos of lynched or legally executed criminals surrounded by huge crowds of men women and children . This in a time when folks left their doors unlocked at night, and a child molester was never heard of ( alive) Yes we were a sick and perverted people , we relished justice for the guilty and Liberty for the innocent.
    I think taking a child to a public execution is a wonderful idea provided they are old enough to know that the person dying had been evil and hurt someone else. With all of the sensless violence kids are exposed to on TV and Video games , this is very hypocritcal of so called civilized America , where a man can torture and kill someone then plea bargin his way into a cozy cell with TV and AC free medical care and food! I do not agree with Irans Sharia Law, But I am wholeheartedly for bringing back public hangings! People who are frustrated by the lack of justice and the family members and victims get the relife of knowing they are no longer threatened by the criminal , or that their loved ones who were murdered have been avenged! God is Holy and Just, and a Godly Government avenges the wronged and victimized by extracting justice from the offender! A Christian nation is not one that “Forgives criminals” but one whose opinions of what is good and what is evil agree with God’s laws!

    Report Post » rednckpreacher  
    • docvet
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:52pm

      I tend to agree with you, but it would last all of 10 seconds before a suit would be brought to prevent public executions. The basis of the suit would be under the “cruel and unusual punishment” issue in the Constitution since the condemned could have his self-esteem would be hurt during the 5-10 minutes before he died – and it would found to be a valid legal point!

      Report Post »  
  • Nora
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 1:37pm

    This is disgusting and many sociologists will make comments. But what I find equally disgusting is the parents who take their children and march in gay parades with phallic symbols and men in chaps with their butts sticking out and demonstrating lewd behavior. What of the effects on these children. And the parents are so enthusiastic!! Either way, it is the corrupting of the young

    Report Post »  
    • BuzzardSays
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 2:44pm

      Something to consider concerning “The Death Sentence” being carried out….
      If you came upon a rapist commiting an autrocity upon your 11-year old daughter with a knife pressed to her throat. And it just so happens that you had come upon the scene with 38-caliber revolver in hand and promptly choose a low angle shot which blew the assailants brains out with blood and brain matter spewing all over your poor child do you think she would object. Or for that matter would you be in trouble with “Johnny Law”.

      You see the death penalty is justice for audacious crime. The intent of killing criminals is to rid society of an “infection of thought and action” so radicalized that its continued existence is sickening and dangerous for the purity of humane behaviour.

      In Amerika the justice system has been gamed for the fiscal enhancement of lawyers, justices, clearks, and the police. I have read new-reports, in Singapore, of a man convicted of a heinous murder given his trial, convicted, a quick 14-day appeal, and hung all while I was in the nation for a work project. Justice in other countries does not take twenty–four years and millions of dollars to be met as our filthy criminals enjoy. That bastard “Joker Movie Murderer” would be dead in many other countries whose civil justice systems are not out of control. Instead of being tested for insanity he “would be pushing up daisies”.

      Report Post » BuzzardSays  
  • TheEDGE
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 12:20pm

    By the looks of the pictures there is not much of a debate. The kids are there. Not one women anywhere to be seen, though. Lovely culture.

    Report Post » TheEDGE  
  • Disabledvet
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 12:12pm

    I think if we had a few public hangings here in the US and make the kids watch and let them know this is what happens wen you break the law we might have a better place to live, of course the blacks would claim we are targeting them becuase they commit the most crimes.
    We also should take the turkish way of feeding prisoners, the family must come each day and bring the food, ot the prisoner does not eat, if the prisoner is married and the family does not have the money to feed the prisoner then the wife is put into a government run house and she must earn the money to feed her family by becoming a government whore. Want to bet the wifes here would throw a fit.

    Report Post »  
    • VinnieSquawker
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 1:09pm

      Amen, brother. We used to hang ‘em high in the public square to discourage kids from stealing horses. Now you have to shoot a cop to get into a gang. Bass-ackwards we are. As I mentioned to an acquaintance regarding capital punishment when he protested that that is how they do things in Iran. I replied.”I never said they do EVERYTHING wrong…”

      Report Post » VinnieSquawker  
  • rgillespie1
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 12:00pm

    Some family‘s bond by going on walks or picnic’s together….some spend a relaxing day at the public execution.

    Report Post »  
  • tothepoint
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 11:54am

    We all know this is one way Muslims train their children to be murderers. Obama and his gang pretend these are not terrorists and killers of anyone who disagrees with them or, if you are a female and have somehow shamed your family by not marrying their choice or maybe by making too much noise when you walk.
    Sickening.

    Report Post »  
  • nobull14
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 11:53am

    If you look back into are countries past .We used to have public hanging for murders and horse thieves and any other terrible crime .The people would come from all around to see the hanging ,I think it would stop a lot of the crime in this country if we brought back the practice again !!!!

    Report Post »  
  • zoro51
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 10:56am

    murdering MUSLUMS kill for sport now.. take your kids indoctrineate them into your MAN MADE CULT of HATE N DEATH MUSLUMS MIRDER FACT N TRUTH

    Report Post » zoro51  
  • Billis820
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 10:01am

    I think we need to bring this to America. Anybody convicted of murder in the first degree, and molesting children should be executed publicly. And none of this waiting 25 years to do it. They get a trial, one appeal, and then the next day public execution.

    Report Post »  
    • VinnieSquawker
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 1:11pm

      Yup, just the way they did it to Ceaucescu in Romania in the mid-80′s. Trial, verdict, march him out back and POP goes the weasle!

      Report Post » VinnieSquawker  
  • barbiegirl ny
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 10:00am

    And how else would they grow up to be good executioners? Like hate, “you’ve got to be carefully taught”, to [partially] quote a song from South Pacific.

    Report Post »  
  • EqualJustice
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 9:41am

    HOW SICK, they want them to adhere to their laws using fear and intimidation. Sounds like our own current regime. Indoctrination of youth is the easiest form of brainwashing.

    Report Post » EqualJustice  
    • rednckpreacher
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 3:47pm

      and what is the correct motivation for obeying the law? It is a reminder that if you step out of society’s bounds you will pay the cost! Are people to avoid breaking the law so as to not hurt their neighbors feeling? Or to avoid the penalty? A good dose of brainwashing to prevent kids from becoming murders and rapist is a good idea! There is a line that can be crossed where an execution becomes less of a stark reminder , and more of a community picnic. But if the community has been wronged by the criminal ( as in several folks robbed beaten , raped and terrorized ) then it would be a good cause to celebrate seeing the death of the man who terrorized you and you neighbors ! It would be a comfort and relief to feel safe again !

      Report Post » rednckpreacher  
  • ACTFORCHRIST
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 9:39am

    Read, ‘THE COMING: A TRUE STORY OF HORROR’ @ amazon.com. John Daniels shows us what America is facing from Islam…Unbelievable!!!

    Report Post »  
  • BlackCrow
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 9:27am

    Just raising up the next generation of Jihad. Got to start them young if they are going to strap on a bomb and blow themselves up trying to kill the infidel of the week.

    Report Post » BlackCrow  
  • I Aint PC
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 9:26am

    What is the problem with this? They show the kids somebody being hung, then later they sign them up for human explosives 101. Or they teach the boys how to stone their sister after their friends rape her. Or how to throw acid in their female cousins face because she wants to go to school.

    By comparison, a hanging is fairly non-violent.

    Report Post »  
  • PaulHausser
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 9:20am

    The USA needs to have public hangings AGAIN. What is the bid deal. It sends a message that lasts longer than those stupid scared straight prison freakshows

    Report Post »  
  • starman70
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 9:10am

    This Iranian brand of Islam, along with all the radical forms is tuly SICK. If the peaceful people of the Islamic faith don’t take back their religion from these radical fundamentalists, they will all be victims of this lunacy.

    Report Post »  
  • Bruce P.
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 9:05am

    This was us, not so long ago.

    Report Post » Bruce P.  
  • Armyduderetired
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 9:02am

    Coming to a theater near you. Just imagine the what happens here if the NDAA and Marshal Law go into effect. It will be like a shooting gallery. Besides the cost of rope going up, I thought the globale warming and abortion advocates would love a movement like this. See how important Judges are?

    Report Post »  
  • bikerdogred1
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 8:48am

    Islam,such a peaceful religion,bring the kids to a execution.Just like an election in the good old USA

    Report Post »  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 8:46am

    What wonderful entertainment for all. NOT!

    Growing future soulless terrorists.

    What do you want to bet the noman grew up watching this stuff????

    REMEMBER: What goes around, comes around, leftists, socialists, communists. you guys got it coming in spades!

    Report Post »  
    • Sol Invictus
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 9:25am

      What have they “got coming”?? Are you looking forward to executing anyone who doesn’t agree with you? Do you miss knitting in front of the guillotine?
      You’re so full of hate and spite – shame you never found Christianity.

      Report Post » Sol Invictus  
  • justangry
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 8:35am

    Look at what these animals are doing to their own people. We ought to kill them so they don’t kill one another.

    Report Post » justangry  
    • progressiveslayer
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 8:48am

      A kind of nanny state by proxy,so I have a suggestion,Mayor Bloomberg is a pilot so he could do a sortie over Tehran and bomb them with progressives,it’s a win win!

      Report Post » progressiveslayer  
    • dublinthewagons
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 9:15am

      Progressiveslayer: free entertainment so to speak. OWS & chic-fil-a kiss-ins.

      Report Post »  
    • nzkiwi
      Posted on August 6, 2012 at 10:32am

      Nice comment, Just.

      Report Post »  
  • RJJinGadsden
    Posted on August 6, 2012 at 8:33am

    The family that hangs together, stays together…right?

    Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
1 2

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love