40 year legacy of the Islamic Republic of Iran – Execution and death Since grabbing power in 1979, the Islamic Republic of Iran has executed, killed and tortured thousands of political dissidents and ordinary Iranians who dared challenge its rule. 20th century Execution of Iranian Kurds Hundreds of Iranian Kurds were executed in 1981 on the direct command of Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder and Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Most executions were carried out in public after the victims were asked a few questions without the possibility to defend themselves. Iran’s “hanging judge”, Sadegh Khalkhali was responsible for the execution of more than 8,000 men and women including Iranian Kurds. First from right, Sadegh Khalkhali known as Iran’s “Hanging Judge”. Third from the right, Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder and Supreme Leader of Iran. “If my victims were to come back on earth, I would execute them again, wit...