Region | Iran
Iran executes 12 for murder and drug trafficking
Iran has hanged 12 people for murder and drug trafficking over the last two days, according to Iranian media reports on Thursday.
- Reuters
- Published: 22:48 July 2, 2009
Tehran: Iran has hanged 12 people for murder and drug trafficking over the last two days, according to Iranian media reports on Thursday.
Six people were put to death for murder in Tehran's Evin prison on Wednesday, the Etemad newspaper said, adding that two others due to be executed at the same time were spared by the families of their victims.
On Thursday, six drug traffickers were executed in Qom, the Shiite holy city south of Tehran, the Fars News Agency quoted a judiciary official as saying.
Amnesty International has listed the Islamic Republic as the world's second most prolific executioner in 2008, after China. The human rights group says at least 346 people were executed last year in the country.
Murder, adultery, rape, armed robbery, apostasy and drug trafficking are all punishable by death in Iran.
European governments and rights groups have criticised Iran for an increasing number of executions since authorities launched a clampdown on "immoral behaviour" in 2007.
Iran says it is implementing Islamic law and rejects accusations it is violating human rights, accusing the West of double standards and hypocrisy.
Under Iranian law, the families of murder victims can pardon the killers, sometimes in return for financial compensation.
Etemad quoted a judge as saying some of the six people put to death in Evin were convicted of killing their spouses.
The planned execution of a ninth convicted murderer, who was 16 at the time of his crime in 1992, was postponed on the order of judiciary chief Ayatollah Mahmoud Hashemi-Shahroudi.
News Editor's choice
-
6,000 cups and counting: Addicted to that tea
This cafeteria in Al Mamzar attracts thousands of customers daily, including the rich and not so rich
-
Swimming pool horror: Twins hospitalised
Twins rushed to hospital after collapsing from chlorine inhalation at swimming pool in their villa
-
Play your cards right with credit card interest
UAE Central Bank plans to cap interest rates, but are you paying thirty-five per cent now?
