Iraq executes 21 prisoners convicted on terrorism charges April 17, 2013 - 18:15 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iraq's Justice Ministry said authorities have executed 21 prisoners convicted on terrorism charges and links to al-Qaeda, The Associated Press reported. The ministry said Wednesday, April 17 the executions were carried out on Tuesday by hanging. It says all the men were Iraqi al-Qaeda operatives who were involved in bombings, car bomb attacks and assassinations. The hangings brought the number of prisoners executed in Iraq so far this year to 50. Iraq has dismissed calls from international human rights organizations to reconsider capital punishment. Executions are usually carried out by hanging. Last year, Iraq executed 129 people, triggering concerns among rights groups on whether defendants received a fair trial. According to the London-based Amnesty International, Iraq was ranked fourth among the top five executioners in the world in 2011, after China, Iran, Saudi Arabia and U.S.   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals  Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation.Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush.Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year.Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |
