|
Trending Topics
|
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/21/world/middleeast/21iran.html
Iranian Execution Revives Debate Over Punishment of Minors
[New York Times] Nazila Fathi - Reza Hejazi, 20, was hanged Tuesday in the Iranian city of Isfahan for stabbing a man in a fight in 2003, when he was 15, reviving an international debate over Iran's punishment of minors. Four others, including three drug smugglers, were also hanged on Tuesday, bringing the number of executions in Iran to more than 190 this year, according to Amnesty International. Last year, Iran executed 317 people, more than any other country except China, the organization says. According to Iran's Islamic law, boys are punishable from the age of 15 and girls from the age of 9. Iranian officials say they wait until offenders reach 18 before they carry out death sentences.