Eleven people convicted of crimes related to terrorism were executed on Sunday. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
Eleven terrorists, all Iraqi men, were executed on Sunday, November 24. They were executed after being convicted by the courts of carrying out terrorist attacks, the official said on condition of anonymity.
The executions bring the number of people put to death in Iraq so far this year to at least 162, according to an AFP tally based on reports from the justice ministry and officials. In comparison 129 were executed for all of 2012.
Executions in Iraq, usually carried out by hanging, have increased this year despite persistent international calls for a moratorium.
Diplomats have voiced worry that the pace of executions in Iraq may increase ahead of elections due to be held on April 30, arguing that officials will be keen to show they are tough on security. The United Nations, European Union and human rights groups have condemned the high rate of executions, with UN human rights chief Navi Pillay saying earlier this year that Iraq's criminal justice system was "not functioning adequately."
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