Executions rising rapidly in Iraq

April 20, 2007
Executions rising rapidly in Iraq

Iraq has jumped to fourth place in the international executions list after a rapid rise in death penalty sentences last year, according to Amnesty.

Only China, Pakistan and Iran executed more people in 2006. Iraq killed at least 65, many of whom were convicted after unjust and unfair trials, said a report by Amnesty International today.

The death penalty was suspended in Iraq after the invasion by U.S. led forces in 2003 but it was reinstated by the Iraqi authorities in mid 2004. Since then more than 270 people have been sentenced to death and at least 100 of those have been executed, according to the report.