  Iran hangs 14 people over drug trafficking May 21, 2012 - 20:01 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iran has hanged 14 people in Tehran after they were convicted of drug trafficking, a statement from the Tehran prosecutor's office says, according to AFP. The report issued May 21 identified them only by their initials. The Islamic republic is one of the world's main practitioners of capital punishment, along with China, Saudi Arabia and the United States. London-based Amnesty International said in its annual review of death sentences and executions worldwide published in March that Iran had executed at least 360 people in 2011, three-quarters of them for drugs offences, up from at least 252 in 2010. In 2010, the rights group Human Rights Watch counted 388 executions, while Amnesty International counted 252. Iran says the death penalty is essential to maintain law and order, and that it is applied only after exhaustive judicial proceedings.   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. |
