Iran hanged a man in public on Monday who had been convicted of killing two members of security forces. It is the second execution of people involved in anti-government protests in less than a week. Nationwide protests, in their third month, erupted after the death of 22-year-old Kurdish Iranian woman Mahsa Amini on Sept 16.

Iran carries out second execution for attacking on security forces: Report

Iran's top Sunni religious leader Molavi Abdolhamid criticised the executions of protesters in the country, calling it a violation of the Sharia law and further warning the government authorities that such extreme steps won't stop the anti-government protests. 
 
He specifically denounced the execution of the first protester, Mohsen Shekari, as he told the worshippers present in Zahedan that the movement "will not be extinguished by killing people”. 
 
“The man's execution was "incorrect" and against Sharia law,” the Sunni leader said. The young protester, Mohsen Shekari, was hanged on December 8 for wounding a security guard using a knife and blocking a street in Tehran.

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Abdolhamid said that the protester should not have been hanged for injuring a government security agent and blocking a street. The cleric added that Sharia includes lesser punishments even in the case of Shekari who was convicted for “fighting against God”. 
 
The cleric also emphasised death sentences issued against five protesters who were charged with the government security agent's killing, saying, “Where is it written in Sharia that for killing one Basij member five people should receive the death sentence, and in such a short time?” 
 
Abdolhamid claimed that many innocent citizens have been killed by government agents since September, however, no one has been held accountable and no justice has been delivered. 
 
“Executions in Iran had no precedent in Islam in any period. (Similar executions) did not take place during Prophet (Mohammed) or during the four senior Caliphs who succeeded him, including Imam Ali,” he said.

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Various acts of defiance or opposition against the regime are considered by the Islamic Republic as “Moharebeh”, an Islamic-Arabic term which means enmity with God, and the maximum punishment under this charge is death, which is readily applied by the regime. 
 
Last week, the cleric had warned the government against giving death sentences to protesters. 
 
Iran has been facing demonstrations for almost three months over the death of Iranian Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini in police custody after she was arrested by the country's morality police for breaching the women's hijab dress code in Tehran.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Iran's top Sunni religious leader Molavi Abdolhamid criticised the executions of protesters in the country, calling it a violation of the Sharia law and further warning the government authorities that such extreme steps won't stop the anti-government protests.

Iran's top Sunni religious leader Molavi Abdolhamid criticised the executions of protesters in the country, calling it a violation of the Sharia law and further warning the government authorities that such extreme steps won't stop the anti-government protests. He specifically denounced the execution of the first protester, Mohsen Shekari, as he told the worshippers present in Zahedan that the movement "will not be extinguished by killing people”. “The man's execution was "incorrect" and against Sharia law,” the Sunni leader said. The young protester, Mohsen Shekari, was hanged on December 8 for wounding a security guard using a knife and blocking a street in Tehran. ALSO READ| Iran: President Raisi says will continue crackdown on protesters Abdolhamid said that the protester should not have been hanged for injuring a government security agent and blocking a street. The cleric added that Sharia includes lesser punishments even in the case of Shekari who was convicted for “fighting against God”. The cleric also emphasised death sentences issued against five protesters who were charged with the government security agent's killing, saying, “Where is it written in Sharia that for killing one Basij member five people should receive the death sentence, and in such a short time?” Abdolhamid claimed that many innocent citizens have been killed by government agents since September, however, no one has been held accountable and no justice has been delivered. “Executions in Iran had no precedent in Islam in any period. (Similar executions) did not take place during Prophet (Mohammed) or during the four senior Caliphs who succeeded him, including Imam Ali,” he said. WATCH| × Various acts of defiance or opposition against the regime are considered by the Islamic Republic as “Moharebeh”, an Islamic-Arabic term which means enmity with God, and the maximum punishment under this charge is death, which is readily applied by the regime. Last week, the cleric had warned the government against giving death sentences to protesters. Iran has been facing demonstrations for almost three months over the death of Iranian Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini in police custody after she was arrested by the country's morality police for breaching the women's hijab dress code in Tehran. (With inputs from agencies)

Top Sunni cleric slams execution in Iran, calls its violation of Sharia law

Iran has carried out its first protest-related execution. A 23-yr-old has been executed for allegedly attacking an Iranian security official. Is this the beginning of a more brutal crackdown? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Iran Supreme leader's family slams crackdown

The Taliban have staged their first public execution since coming to power in 2021. The father of an alleged murderer was forced to kill his own son with a rifle. Is the Taliban going back to its old ways? Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Taliban stages first public execution since coming to power

The Taliban 2.0 carried out the first officially confirmed public execution since returning to power in Afghanistan in 2021. According to Reuters, a man accused of murder&nbsp;was executed in western part of the country and it was confirmed by an official spokesperson of the government.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said that the accused had stabbed another man in 2017 in the Farah province and the execution was attended by various senior officials of the Taliban.

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The official statement also stated that the execution was carried out by the father of the victim.

Public executions and lashings were quite common during the Taliban’s previous regime, but this is the first time that it was recorded in recent times. In the past few months, the supreme court in Afghanistan has sentenced various men and women to public lashings for committing adultery.

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The case that led to the public execution was heard in three separate courts and was approved by the Taliban’s supreme spiritual leader. The spokesperson said that the people who attended the execution included the acting interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, the acting deputy prime minister Abdul Ghani Baradar, the chief justice, acting foreign minister and acting education minister.

The Taliban’s supreme spiritual leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada, has instructed the courts around the country to announce similar punishments for offences in accordance with Sharia law. This came after the United Nations urged Afghanistan to immediately stop executions and public floggings.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Taliban 2.0 carried out the first officially confirmed public execution since returning to power in Afghanistan in 2021. According to Reuters, a man accused of murder was executed in western part of the country and it was confirmed by an official spokesperson of the government.

The Taliban 2.0 carried out the first officially confirmed public execution since returning to power in Afghanistan in 2021. According to Reuters, a man accused of murder was executed in western part of the country and it was confirmed by an official spokesperson of the government. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said that the accused had stabbed another man in 2017 in the Farah province and the execution was attended by various senior officials of the Taliban. Also read | Former right-wing MP among 25 detained in Germany for plot to overthrow state The official statement also stated that the execution was carried out by the father of the victim. Public executions and lashings were quite common during the Taliban’s previous regime, but this is the first time that it was recorded in recent times. In the past few months, the supreme court in Afghanistan has sentenced various men and women to public lashings for committing adultery. Also read | UK Border Force staff to strike over Christmas due to pay, working conditions The case that led to the public execution was heard in three separate courts and was approved by the Taliban’s supreme spiritual leader. The spokesperson said that the people who attended the execution included the acting interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, the acting deputy prime minister Abdul Ghani Baradar, the chief justice, acting foreign minister and acting education minister. The Taliban’s supreme spiritual leader, Haibatullah Akhundzada, has instructed the courts around the country to announce similar punishments for offences in accordance with Sharia law. This came after the United Nations urged Afghanistan to immediately stop executions and public floggings. (With inputs from agencies)

Taliban 2.0 carry out first public execution since regaining power in Afghanistan

An Iranian man, who was involved in the anti-hijab protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, was hanged, making it the first known conviction over the agitation.&nbsp;According to local media reports, Mohsen Shekari was executed on Thursday morning after being convicted of wounding a paramilitary force member.&nbsp;

“Mohsen Shekari, a rioter who blocked Sattar Khan Street in Tehran on September 25 and wounded one of the security guards with a machete, was executed this morning," the judiciary's Mizan Online website said.

The revolutionary court in Tehran had convicted him of waging "war against God" under Iran's Islamic sharia law on November 1.

Shekari appealed the ruling in the Supreme Court, but the top court upheld it on November 20.

The judiciary said that Shekari drew his weapon "with the intention of killing, causing terror and disturbing the order and security of society".

The Iranian regime views the anti-hijab protests, which have been spreading across the country for the past three months, as “riots”, and has used paramilitary force to suppress the agitation.

Rights groups claimed that more than 500 protesters, including children, have died, but Iran estimates it to be 300.

An activist said that Shekari was convicted after a "show trial without any due process".

Director of Norway-based Iran Human Rights, Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, tweeted that executions would start taking place regularly unless Iranian authorities faced "rapid practical consequences internationally".

So far 11 people have been sentenced to death in connection with the protests, which were trigged by the custodial death of 22-year-old Amini who was detained by morality police for allegedly wearing her headscarf "improperly".

(With inputs from agencies)

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An Iranian man, who was involved in the anti-hijab protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, was hanged, making it the first known conviction over the agitation.

An Iranian man, who was involved in the anti-hijab protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, was hanged, making it the first known conviction over the agitation. According to local media reports, Mohsen Shekari was executed on Thursday morning after being convicted of wounding a paramilitary force member. “Mohsen Shekari, a rioter who blocked Sattar Khan Street in Tehran on September 25 and wounded one of the security guards with a machete, was executed this morning," the judiciary's Mizan Online website said. The revolutionary court in Tehran had convicted him of waging "war against God" under Iran's Islamic sharia law on November 1. Shekari appealed the ruling in the Supreme Court, but the top court upheld it on November 20. The judiciary said that Shekari drew his weapon "with the intention of killing, causing terror and disturbing the order and security of society". The Iranian regime views the anti-hijab protests, which have been spreading across the country for the past three months, as “riots”, and has used paramilitary force to suppress the agitation. Rights groups claimed that more than 500 protesters, including children, have died, but Iran estimates it to be 300. An activist said that Shekari was convicted after a "show trial without any due process". Director of Norway-based Iran Human Rights, Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, tweeted that executions would start taking place regularly unless Iranian authorities faced "rapid practical consequences internationally". So far 11 people have been sentenced to death in connection with the protests, which were trigged by the custodial death of 22-year-old Amini who was detained by morality police for allegedly wearing her headscarf "improperly". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Iran carries out first execution over anti-regime protests sparked by Mahsa Amini’s death

Iranian authorities, on Sunday, executed four people accused of working for Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, said the state-run news agency, IRNA. This comes after Tehran has also blamed Israel as one of the countries involved in the recent anti-hijab protests in the country and accused them of plotting a civil war in Iran.&nbsp;

Iran’s state media also said on Wednesday, that the country’s Supreme Court upheld the death sentence against those accused of “the crime of cooperating with the intelligence services of the Zionist regime and for kidnapping”.&nbsp;

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Furthermore, the media report citing the country’s Revolutionary Guard said that they have arrested the network of people for their link to the Israeli spy agency and also past criminal records as they were allegedly attempting to disrupt the country’s security.&nbsp;

The four executed men were identified by the state news agency as Hossein Ordoukhanzadeh, Shahin Imani Mahmoudabadi, Milad Ashrafi and Manouchehr Shahbandi. On the other hand, three other members of the group were sentenced to five to 10 years in prison but were not identified.&nbsp;

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The accused were also charged with stealing and destroying public and private property, said the media report. While the authorities alleged that they had weapons and received wages from the Israeli spy agency in cryptocurrency. Notably, reports suggest that the Iranian authorities have no evidence for the alleged crimes.&nbsp;

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Another media report said that the detainees had been arrested in June, earlier this year, after a joint cooperation between the country’s Ministry of Intelligence and the Revolutionary Guards, and were sentenced on charges related to “intelligence cooperation with Israel.”&nbsp;

 
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Iranian authorities, on Sunday, executed four people accused of working for Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, said the state-run news agency, IRNA. This comes after Tehran has also blamed Israel as one of the countries involved in the recent anti-hijab protests in the country and accused them of plotting a civil war in Iran.

Iranian authorities, on Sunday, executed four people accused of working for Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, said the state-run news agency, IRNA. This comes after Tehran has also blamed Israel as one of the countries involved in the recent anti-hijab protests in the country and accused them of plotting a civil war in Iran. Iran’s state media also said on Wednesday, that the country’s Supreme Court upheld the death sentence against those accused of “the crime of cooperating with the intelligence services of the Zionist regime and for kidnapping”. ALSO READ | After two months of nationwide anti-hijab protests, Iran finally disbands morality police Furthermore, the media report citing the country’s Revolutionary Guard said that they have arrested the network of people for their link to the Israeli spy agency and also past criminal records as they were allegedly attempting to disrupt the country’s security. The four executed men were identified by the state news agency as Hossein Ordoukhanzadeh, Shahin Imani Mahmoudabadi, Milad Ashrafi and Manouchehr Shahbandi. On the other hand, three other members of the group were sentenced to five to 10 years in prison but were not identified. ALSO WATCH | Zelensky: Israel’s neutrality spurred Russia-Iran ties The accused were also charged with stealing and destroying public and private property, said the media report. While the authorities alleged that they had weapons and received wages from the Israeli spy agency in cryptocurrency. Notably, reports suggest that the Iranian authorities have no evidence for the alleged crimes. ALSO READ | A protester celebrating Iran's World Cup exit was shot dead, say reports Another media report said that the detainees had been arrested in June, earlier this year, after a joint cooperation between the country’s Ministry of Intelligence and the Revolutionary Guards, and were sentenced on charges related to “intelligence cooperation with Israel.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iran executes four people accused of cooperating with Israel’s spy agency

Saman Yasin, a Kurdish rapper was arrested in early October for supporting the protests over Mahsa Amini's death and now he is facing execution. Yasin has been accused of waging a war against God after posting his support for the anti-regime demonstrators on social media.

WION Dispatch | Iran: Young Kurdish rapper Saman Yasin faces execution

Saman Yasin, a&nbsp;young Kurdish rapper and artist&nbsp;is facing execution three weeks after being forcibly taken into custody at his house by Iranian security forces.&nbsp;

He was accused of declaring war against God in response to his social media posts showing his sympathy for anti-regime demonstrators, &nbsp;&nbsp;

Human rights organisations have warned that the regime may launch a brutal campaign of retribution in an effort to put an end to ongoing protests.&nbsp;

His destiny, which will be decided by the Iranian courts in the coming days, may be shared by thousands of other young demonstrators who are being detained.

The UN estimates that since the protests started more than eight weeks ago when the 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died in jail after being taken by Iran's morality police, 14,000 people, including children, have been detained by the regime.

Javaid Rehman, the special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran told The Guardian on Wednesday, “Over the past six weeks, thousands of men, women and children – by some accounts over 14,000 persons – have been arrested, which includes human rights defenders, students, lawyers, journalists and civil society activists.”&nbsp;

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“In another most disturbing development, Iranian authorities have announced earlier this week that they will be holding public trials for over 1,000 arrested persons in Tehran and a similar number outside the capital … The charges against these persons will include charges … carrying the death penalty. In the absence of any domestic channels of accountability, I would stress the significance of the role and responsibility of the international community in addressing impunity for human rights violations in Iran,” he added.

According to the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, the Iranian government may utilise well-known inmates like Yasin to try to frighten people who are still protesting.

(with inputs from agencies)

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Saman Yasin, a young Kurdish rapper and artist is facing execution three weeks after being forcibly taken into custody at his house by Iranian security forces. He was accused of declaring war against God in response to his social media posts showing his sympathy for anti-regime demonstrators, Human rights organisations have warned that the regime may launch a brutal campaign of retribution in an effort to put an end to ongoing protests.

Saman Yasin, a young Kurdish rapper and artist is facing execution three weeks after being forcibly taken into custody at his house by Iranian security forces. He was accused of declaring war against God in response to his social media posts showing his sympathy for anti-regime demonstrators, Human rights organisations have warned that the regime may launch a brutal campaign of retribution in an effort to put an end to ongoing protests. His destiny, which will be decided by the Iranian courts in the coming days, may be shared by thousands of other young demonstrators who are being detained. The UN estimates that since the protests started more than eight weeks ago when the 22-year-old Mahsa Amini died in jail after being taken by Iran's morality police, 14,000 people, including children, have been detained by the regime. Javaid Rehman, the special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Iran told The Guardian on Wednesday, “Over the past six weeks, thousands of men, women and children – by some accounts over 14,000 persons – have been arrested, which includes human rights defenders, students, lawyers, journalists and civil society activists.” Also Read: Sandy Hook defamation: Infowars' Alex Jones ordered to pay USD 473 million “In another most disturbing development, Iranian authorities have announced earlier this week that they will be holding public trials for over 1,000 arrested persons in Tehran and a similar number outside the capital … The charges against these persons will include charges … carrying the death penalty. In the absence of any domestic channels of accountability, I would stress the significance of the role and responsibility of the international community in addressing impunity for human rights violations in Iran,” he added. According to the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, the Iranian government may utilise well-known inmates like Yasin to try to frighten people who are still protesting. (with inputs from agencies)

Iran: Young Kurdish rapper who protested over Amini's death faces execution

A 50-year-old man from Alabama state in US who was convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend decades ago was executed despite opposition from the victim’s family to spare him.

According to reports, Joe Nathan James Jr. received a lethal injection at a south Alabama prison. He was pronounced dead at 9. 27 pm on Thursday after the execution was delayed by nearly three hours.

The official proceedings began with the incarceration after the US Supreme Court denied his request for a stay.

The 50-year-old convict was sentenced to death in 1994 for shooting dead Faith Hall, 26, in Birmingham.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday said that the execution would proceed as per the plans even though Hall’s daughters said that they were fine with having James serve life in prison instead of capital punishment.

“Today is a tragic day for our family. We are having to relive the hurt that this caused us many years ago,” Hall’s family said in a statement&nbsp;published by the local TV station WIAT.

“We hoped the state wouldn’t take a life simply because a life was taken, and we have forgiven Mr Joe Nathan James Jr … We pray that God allows us to find healing after today and that one day our criminal justice system will listen to the cries of families like ours even if it goes against what the state wishes. Our voices matter and so does the life of Mr Joe Nathan James Jr.”

According to the prosecutors James had become obsessed with Hall after she rejected him. He continued to stalk and harass her for months before killing her.

The killing took place on August 15, 1994, when James forced his way in Hall’s friend’s apartment, pulled a gun from his waistband and shot she three times, according to court documents.

James was then convicted of capital murder in 1996 by Jefferson county, which voted to recommend the death penalty, which a judge imposed.

The ruling was later overturned when a state appeals court ruled that the judge had wrongly admitted some police reports into evidence. James was retried and again sentenced to death in 1999, when jurors trashed defence claims that he was under emotional duress at the time of the killing.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A 50-year-old man from Alabama state in US who was convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend decades ago was executed despite opposition from the victim’s family to spare him.

A 50-year-old man from Alabama state in US who was convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend decades ago was executed despite opposition from the victim’s family to spare him. According to reports, Joe Nathan James Jr. received a lethal injection at a south Alabama prison. He was pronounced dead at 9. 27 pm on Thursday after the execution was delayed by nearly three hours. The official proceedings began with the incarceration after the US Supreme Court denied his request for a stay. The 50-year-old convict was sentenced to death in 1994 for shooting dead Faith Hall, 26, in Birmingham. Alabama Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday said that the execution would proceed as per the plans even though Hall’s daughters said that they were fine with having James serve life in prison instead of capital punishment. “Today is a tragic day for our family. We are having to relive the hurt that this caused us many years ago,” Hall’s family said in a statement published by the local TV station WIAT. “We hoped the state wouldn’t take a life simply because a life was taken, and we have forgiven Mr Joe Nathan James Jr … We pray that God allows us to find healing after today and that one day our criminal justice system will listen to the cries of families like ours even if it goes against what the state wishes. Our voices matter and so does the life of Mr Joe Nathan James Jr.” According to the prosecutors James had become obsessed with Hall after she rejected him. He continued to stalk and harass her for months before killing her. The killing took place on August 15, 1994, when James forced his way in Hall’s friend’s apartment, pulled a gun from his waistband and shot she three times, according to court documents. James was then convicted of capital murder in 1996 by Jefferson county, which voted to recommend the death penalty, which a judge imposed. The ruling was later overturned when a state appeals court ruled that the judge had wrongly admitted some police reports into evidence. James was retried and again sentenced to death in 1999, when jurors trashed defence claims that he was under emotional duress at the time of the killing. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US man executed for killing ex-girlfriend despite appeals for stay from victim’s family

Tomohiro Kato, a 39-year-old man who killed seven people in Tokyo in 2008, was hanged at the behest of the Japanese government on Tuesday morning.

Japan: Man executed for killing 7 in truck ramming rampage in 2008

The international outrage of Myanmar's first execution in decades prompted the junta to lash out on Tuesday, claiming the four killed prisoners—two of whom were well-known democratic activists—"deserved many death sentences." The killings that were revealed on Monday provoked outrage from all over the world, increased concerns that there will be more, and triggered demands for tougher international sanctions against the already isolated junta.

However, the military leadership resisted, arguing that the soldiers "were given the right to defend themselves according to court procedure" in a statement by spokesman Zaw Min Tun. At a routine press conference in the capital, Naypyidaw, he stated: "If we compare their sentence with other death penalty cases, they have committed crimes for which they should have been given death sentences many times. They harmed many innocent people. There were many big losses which could not be replaced."

He claimed without going into further detail that the captives, who included a former lawmaker from the party of deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, had been permitted to communicate with family members through video conference. The UN and western nations have already criticised the junta for the executions.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/economic-revival-hope-after-russia-ukraine-grain-deal-crashes-as-russia-cuts-gas-supply-to-europe-500669">&nbsp;Economic revival hope fails after Russia-Ukraine grain deal crashes as Russia cuts gas supply to Europe</a>

An ex-lawmaker from Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD), Phyo Zeya Thaw, was given a death sentence in January for violating anti-terrorism regulations. The military tribunal imposed the same punishment on democracy campaigner Kyaw Min Yu, also known as "Jimmy." The two other guys were given the death penalty for the murder of a woman in Yangon who they claimed was an informant for the junta. As part of its crackdown on dissent after seizing power last year, the junta has convicted scores of anti-coup activists to death, although Myanmar had not carried out an execution in decades.

(with inputs from agencies)

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The international outrage of Myanmar's first execution in decades prompted the junta to lash out on Tuesday, claiming the four killed prisoners—two of whom were well-known democratic activists—"deserved many death sentences.

The international outrage of Myanmar's first execution in decades prompted the junta to lash out on Tuesday, claiming the four killed prisoners—two of whom were well-known democratic activists—"deserved many death sentences." The killings that were revealed on Monday provoked outrage from all over the world, increased concerns that there will be more, and triggered demands for tougher international sanctions against the already isolated junta. However, the military leadership resisted, arguing that the soldiers "were given the right to defend themselves according to court procedure" in a statement by spokesman Zaw Min Tun. At a routine press conference in the capital, Naypyidaw, he stated: "If we compare their sentence with other death penalty cases, they have committed crimes for which they should have been given death sentences many times. They harmed many innocent people. There were many big losses which could not be replaced." He claimed without going into further detail that the captives, who included a former lawmaker from the party of deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, had been permitted to communicate with family members through video conference. The UN and western nations have already criticised the junta for the executions. Also Read: Economic revival hope fails after Russia-Ukraine grain deal crashes as Russia cuts gas supply to Europe An ex-lawmaker from Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy (NLD), Phyo Zeya Thaw, was given a death sentence in January for violating anti-terrorism regulations. The military tribunal imposed the same punishment on democracy campaigner Kyaw Min Yu, also known as "Jimmy." The two other guys were given the death penalty for the murder of a woman in Yangon who they claimed was an informant for the junta. As part of its crackdown on dissent after seizing power last year, the junta has convicted scores of anti-coup activists to death, although Myanmar had not carried out an execution in decades. (with inputs from agencies)

Myanmar: Junta spokesperson says executed inmates deserved 'many death sentences'

Nearly a year and a half after the the country's democratically elected government was toppled in a coup and the Junta installed at the helm, the new leaders have turned to an old and, some might argue, barbarous, method of punishment. According to state media, Myanmar’s Junta recently executed four prisoners, in the country’s first use of capital punishment in decades. 
 
AFP reports that a former lawmaker for the unseated Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) party was among those executed.&nbsp;As per a June press release by the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR), they are the first judicial executions in Myanmar since 1988.

As part of its campaign against dissent after seizing power last year, the junta has sentenced dozens of anti-coup activists, although the country had not carried out an execution in decades.

Watch |&nbsp;Myanmar: UN expert urges more pressure on Junta as it shifts Suu Kyi to solitary confinement

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Former lawmaker and hip-hop artist Phyo Zeya Thaw,&nbsp;and another well-known democracy campaigner Kyaw Min Yu,&nbsp;better known as “Jimmy” were among&nbsp;the four&nbsp;put to death for participating in “brutal and barbaric terror acts”,&nbsp;according to the Myanmar publication Global New Light.

The four people who were executed were accused of participating in “terror acts” by the military government in Myanmar. They were subsequently charged under&nbsp;counter-terrorism laws and the penal code, and the punishment was administered in accordance with prison procedures, reported&nbsp;Reuters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pleas-for-help-as-myanmar-awaits-high-profile-executions-489460">Pleas for help as Myanmar awaits high-profile executions</a>

International nations harshly criticised the junta when it revealed last month that it would carry out the executions.&nbsp;The junta’s decision was also denounced by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as “a blatant violation of the right to life, liberty, and security of person.”

The military&nbsp;alleged voting fraud in the 2020 elections, which the NLD had won by a landslide. This was used as justification for its coup on February 1 of last year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-top-court-says-myanmar-genocide-case-can-proceed-499816">UN top court says Myanmar genocide case can proceed</a>

NLD leader Suu Kyi has been in detention ever since, and a junta court has charged her with a number of offences that could result in a sentence of more than 150 years in prison.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Nearly a year and a half after the the country's democratically elected government was toppled in a coup and the Junta installed at the helm, the new leaders have turned to an old and, some might argue, barbarous, method of punishment.

Nearly a year and a half after the the country's democratically elected government was toppled in a coup and the Junta installed at the helm, the new leaders have turned to an old and, some might argue, barbarous, method of punishment. According to state media, Myanmar’s Junta recently executed four prisoners, in the country’s first use of capital punishment in decades. AFP reports that a former lawmaker for the unseated Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) party was among those executed. As per a June press release by the United Nations Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner (OHCHR), they are the first judicial executions in Myanmar since 1988. As part of its campaign against dissent after seizing power last year, the junta has sentenced dozens of anti-coup activists, although the country had not carried out an execution in decades. Watch | Myanmar: UN expert urges more pressure on Junta as it shifts Suu Kyi to solitary confinement Former lawmaker and hip-hop artist Phyo Zeya Thaw, and another well-known democracy campaigner Kyaw Min Yu, better known as “Jimmy” were among the four put to death for participating in “brutal and barbaric terror acts”, according to the Myanmar publication Global New Light. The four people who were executed were accused of participating in “terror acts” by the military government in Myanmar. They were subsequently charged under counter-terrorism laws and the penal code, and the punishment was administered in accordance with prison procedures, reported Reuters. Also read | Pleas for help as Myanmar awaits high-profile executions International nations harshly criticised the junta when it revealed last month that it would carry out the executions. The junta’s decision was also denounced by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres as “a blatant violation of the right to life, liberty, and security of person.” The military alleged voting fraud in the 2020 elections, which the NLD had won by a landslide. This was used as justification for its coup on February 1 of last year. Also read | UN top court says Myanmar genocide case can proceed NLD leader Suu Kyi has been in detention ever since, and a junta court has charged her with a number of offences that could result in a sentence of more than 150 years in prison. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Myanmar junta executes leading democracy campaigner & 3 others in country’s 1st executions since 1988

Murtaja Qureiris was released from prison on June 24, ending her status as the youngest political prisoner in Saudi Arabia, according to attorneys and campaigners. He is a Shia man who faced the possibility of the death penalty after being detained when he was just 13 years old.

Qureiris was detained by Saudi officials at the age of 13, three years after he was charged with taking part in a bike protest during the 2011 Arab Spring when he was just ten years old. He spent nearly four years in pre-trial incarceration before receiving a charge sheet that called for the death penalty.

Qureiris, according to the prosecution, participated in "an extremist terror group" and used violence during demonstrations, including allegedly helping to make Molotov cocktails. All of the accusations against Qureiris were refuted. Qureiris was stopped by Saudi border guards on the King Fahd causeway connecting the two nations while on his way to Bahrain with his family. 
 
Watch | Gravitas: Asia to pay more for oil from Saudi Arabia

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"Murtaja Qureiris, detained since 2014 when he was only 13, has been released following the expiry of his sentence," ALQST for Human Rights said on Twitter.

"Qureiris had been at risk of the death penalty, and was later sentenced to eight years on charges including participating in protests at the age of 10," the London-based group added.

It said he "should never have been arrested".

Amnesty International in the Gulf said it was "happy" for Qureiris and his family.

Ali al-Nimr, who was detained as a minor in 2012 for taking part in anti-government rallies and was given a death sentence that was later commuted, is among the young Shia men who have been freed by Saudi Arabia in recent months.

Nimr is the nephew of Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr, whose execution by Saudi Arabia in 2016 caused Tehran and Riyadh to suspend diplomatic ties.

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has announced a number of court-sentencing reforms, including the suspension of the death penalty for drug offences and the elimination of court-ordered floggings.

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Murtaja Qureiris was released from prison on June 24, ending her status as the youngest political prisoner in Saudi Arabia, according to attorneys and campaigners.

Murtaja Qureiris was released from prison on June 24, ending her status as the youngest political prisoner in Saudi Arabia, according to attorneys and campaigners. He is a Shia man who faced the possibility of the death penalty after being detained when he was just 13 years old. Qureiris was detained by Saudi officials at the age of 13, three years after he was charged with taking part in a bike protest during the 2011 Arab Spring when he was just ten years old. He spent nearly four years in pre-trial incarceration before receiving a charge sheet that called for the death penalty. Qureiris, according to the prosecution, participated in "an extremist terror group" and used violence during demonstrations, including allegedly helping to make Molotov cocktails. All of the accusations against Qureiris were refuted. Qureiris was stopped by Saudi border guards on the King Fahd causeway connecting the two nations while on his way to Bahrain with his family. Watch | Gravitas: Asia to pay more for oil from Saudi Arabia "Murtaja Qureiris, detained since 2014 when he was only 13, has been released following the expiry of his sentence," ALQST for Human Rights said on Twitter. "Qureiris had been at risk of the death penalty, and was later sentenced to eight years on charges including participating in protests at the age of 10," the London-based group added. It said he "should never have been arrested". Amnesty International in the Gulf said it was "happy" for Qureiris and his family. Ali al-Nimr, who was detained as a minor in 2012 for taking part in anti-government rallies and was given a death sentence that was later commuted, is among the young Shia men who have been freed by Saudi Arabia in recent months. Nimr is the nephew of Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr, whose execution by Saudi Arabia in 2016 caused Tehran and Riyadh to suspend diplomatic ties. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has announced a number of court-sentencing reforms, including the suspension of the death penalty for drug offences and the elimination of court-ordered floggings. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

This Saudi prisoner was arrested at 13 and faced execution. He is now freed

Myanmar is all set to execute four people. It will be the south-Asian nation's first judicial execution in decades.

First judicial execution in decades: Myanmar to execute four people

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

European intelligence officials have revealed that Kremlin is planning to stage public executions in captured Ukrainian cities. This will be an attempt at breaking people's morale. Apart from this, Russia has also planned crackdowns on protests and imprisonment of political opponents.

The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity. However, he claims that he has seen documents from Russia's intelligence agency, the Federal Security Service.

Bloomberg's political editor Kitty Donaldson, in a report was quoted as saying, "The agency is also planning violent crowd control and repressive detention of protest organisers in order to break Ukrainian morale."

The revelation comes in as it has been over a week since Russia's invasion of Ukraine started. The forces have seized the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine's southeast.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-forces-seize-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-as-ukrainians-put-out-fire-458825">Also read |&nbsp;Russian forces seize Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant as Ukrainians put out fire</a>

It is the Europe's largest nuclear power plant.

"Operational personnel are monitoring the condition of power units," it said on social media, while quoting the Ukrainian nuclear inspectorate.

Efforts are being made to ensure the operations were in line with safety requirements, it said.

A fire, which had broken out in a training building in the plant, has been extinguished, Ukraine's state emergency service had earlier said on Friday.&nbsp;

On Friday, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), while citing the country's regulatory authorities, said that essential equipment at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant was unaffected in the incident and there was no change in radiation levels. &nbsp;

Ukraine had said that the plant in its southeast was shelled overnight, the IAEA added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. European intelligence officials have revealed that Kremlin is planning to stage public executions in captured Ukrainian cities. This will be an attempt at breaking people's morale. Apart from this, Russia has also planned crackdowns on protests and imprisonment of political opponents. The officials spoke on the condition of anonymity. However, he claims that he has seen documents from Russia's intelligence agency, the Federal Security Service. Bloomberg's political editor Kitty Donaldson, in a report was quoted as saying, "The agency is also planning violent crowd control and repressive detention of protest organisers in order to break Ukrainian morale." The revelation comes in as it has been over a week since Russia's invasion of Ukraine started. The forces have seized the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine's southeast. Also read | Russian forces seize Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant as Ukrainians put out fire It is the Europe's largest nuclear power plant. "Operational personnel are monitoring the condition of power units," it said on social media, while quoting the Ukrainian nuclear inspectorate. Efforts are being made to ensure the operations were in line with safety requirements, it said. A fire, which had broken out in a training building in the plant, has been extinguished, Ukraine's state emergency service had earlier said on Friday. On Friday, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), while citing the country's regulatory authorities, said that essential equipment at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant was unaffected in the incident and there was no change in radiation levels. Ukraine had said that the plant in its southeast was shelled overnight, the IAEA added. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia to stage public executions in Ukraine; crackdowns and detaining opponents also a part of plan

Japan hanged three death-row inmates, its first executions in two years, amid growing criticism by human rights groups of the country’s use of the death penalty. Executions are carried out in high secrecy in Japan, where prisoners are not informed of their fate until the morning they are hanged.

Three death row inmates hanged in Japan in first executions since 2019

The Oklahoma state in the US is being sharply criticised after a few witnesses revealed that a convicted murderer vomited and experienced convulsions as he was executed by lethal injection.&nbsp;

John Grant, 60, who is Black, was sentenced to death after he murdered a white prison cafeteria worker, Gay Carter in 1998. He was the first inmate to be put to death in Oklahoma after a series of mishandled executions led to a temporary prohibition on capital punishment.&nbsp;

Various journalists who witnessed the execution said that Grant had vomited and experienced full-body convulsions about two dozen times before he was declared dead. It took a period of 15 minutes for Grant to be declared unconscious by medical staff. After this, the vecuronium bromide, which paralyses the body, and potassium chloride, which stops the heart, were given.

This comes after a federal appeals court had put a hold on Grant's execution over concerns about the drug cocktail which was used.&nbsp;

However, the Supreme Court lifted the last-minute stay and allowed the execution to go ahead.

Grant's attorneys had argued that the use of sedative midazolam would lead to cruel and unusual punishment and also violate his constitutional rights.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-halt-illegal-action-us-states-sue-biden-administration-over-vaccine-mandate-425272">Also read |&nbsp;'To halt illegal action': US states sue Biden administration over vaccine mandate</a>

The Oklahoma attorney general's office asked the Supreme Court to vacate the stay and it was done hours ahead of Grant's scheduled execution, with just the three liberal justices objecting.&nbsp;

The Oklahoma Department of Corrections said that Grant's execution went as planned. "Inmate Grant's execution was carried out in accordance with Oklahoma Department of Corrections' protocols and without complication," communications director Justin Wolf said in a statement.

Earlier, Midazolam was identified as a potential factor in a series of mishandled executions in Oklahoma. A lawsuit challenging Oklahoma's lethal injection protocols will go to trial in February 2022. Also, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals had put executions on hold in the state pending a ruling in the case.

"There should be no more executions in Oklahoma until we go to trial in February to address the state's problematic lethal injection protocol," said Dale Baich, an attorney for Grant and other death row inmates.

The Oklahoma state in the US is being sharply criticised after a few witnesses revealed that a convicted murderer vomited and experienced convulsions as he was executed by lethal injection.

The Oklahoma state in the US is being sharply criticised after a few witnesses revealed that a convicted murderer vomited and experienced convulsions as he was executed by lethal injection. John Grant, 60, who is Black, was sentenced to death after he murdered a white prison cafeteria worker, Gay Carter in 1998. He was the first inmate to be put to death in Oklahoma after a series of mishandled executions led to a temporary prohibition on capital punishment. Various journalists who witnessed the execution said that Grant had vomited and experienced full-body convulsions about two dozen times before he was declared dead. It took a period of 15 minutes for Grant to be declared unconscious by medical staff. After this, the vecuronium bromide, which paralyses the body, and potassium chloride, which stops the heart, were given. This comes after a federal appeals court had put a hold on Grant's execution over concerns about the drug cocktail which was used. However, the Supreme Court lifted the last-minute stay and allowed the execution to go ahead. Grant's attorneys had argued that the use of sedative midazolam would lead to cruel and unusual punishment and also violate his constitutional rights. Also read | 'To halt illegal action': US states sue Biden administration over vaccine mandate The Oklahoma attorney general's office asked the Supreme Court to vacate the stay and it was done hours ahead of Grant's scheduled execution, with just the three liberal justices objecting. The Oklahoma Department of Corrections said that Grant's execution went as planned. "Inmate Grant's execution was carried out in accordance with Oklahoma Department of Corrections' protocols and without complication," communications director Justin Wolf said in a statement. Earlier, Midazolam was identified as a potential factor in a series of mishandled executions in Oklahoma. A lawsuit challenging Oklahoma's lethal injection protocols will go to trial in February 2022. Also, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals had put executions on hold in the state pending a ruling in the case. "There should be no more executions in Oklahoma until we go to trial in February to address the state's problematic lethal injection protocol," said Dale Baich, an attorney for Grant and other death row inmates.

During his execution, man in US vomited and convulsed, causing widespread outcry

WION brings you all the latest developments from the UNGA. As per the latest reports, Taliban has now begun public execution, what are the global leaders saying about it?

Taliban has now begun public execution, what are global leaders saying about it? | WION-USA Direct

The dreaded Taliban rule in Afghanistan of the late 90s was marked by brutal executions, often carried out in public, in stadiums. Though Taliban claim that their rule this time around would be different, there are worrying signs that things may soon go the old way

A Taliban official, a powerful figure from the late 90s has said that executions and strict punishments would return. He said this during an interview to Associated Press.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/new-taliban-guidelines-stir-fear-about-the-future-of-press-freedom-41537">New Taliban guidelines stir fear about the future of press freedom</a>

Mullah Nooruddin Turabi defended the Taliban ways during the interview.

“Everyone criticized us for the punishments in the stadium, but we have never said anything about their laws and their punishments,” Turabi was quoted as saying by The Associated Press.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-taliban-sacks-v-c-around-70-teaching-staff-of-kabul-university-resign-415340">After Taliban sacks V-C, around 70 teaching staff of Kabul University resign</a>

“No one will tell us what our laws should be. We will follow Islam and we will make our laws on the Quran.”

Turabi was justice minister of the so-called Ministry of Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in Taliban government of the late 90s. He is now in-charge of prisons.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-botched-drone-strike-in-kabul-started-with-the-wrong-car-414864">A botched drone strike in Kabul started with the wrong car</a>

Taliban took control of Afghanistan in a lightning-swift offensive after withdrawal of the US troops in August. Afghans gathered in thousands at Kabul airport to flee the country out of fear of the Taliban.

After solidifying grip on power, Taliban appeared to suggest that their rule would be different than before, but their all-men government features individuals who are designated terrorists.

The dreaded Taliban rule in Afghanistan of the late 90s was marked by brutal executions, often carried out in public, in stadiums. Though Taliban claim that their rule this time around would be different, there are worrying signs that things may soon go the old way A Taliban official, a powerful figure from the late 90s has said that executions and strict punishments would return.

The dreaded Taliban rule in Afghanistan of the late 90s was marked by brutal executions, often carried out in public, in stadiums. Though Taliban claim that their rule this time around would be different, there are worrying signs that things may soon go the old way A Taliban official, a powerful figure from the late 90s has said that executions and strict punishments would return. He said this during an interview to Associated Press. Also Read | New Taliban guidelines stir fear about the future of press freedom Mullah Nooruddin Turabi defended the Taliban ways during the interview. “Everyone criticized us for the punishments in the stadium, but we have never said anything about their laws and their punishments,” Turabi was quoted as saying by The Associated Press. Also Read | After Taliban sacks V-C, around 70 teaching staff of Kabul University resign “No one will tell us what our laws should be. We will follow Islam and we will make our laws on the Quran.” Turabi was justice minister of the so-called Ministry of Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in Taliban government of the late 90s. He is now in-charge of prisons. Also Read | A botched drone strike in Kabul started with the wrong car Taliban took control of Afghanistan in a lightning-swift offensive after withdrawal of the US troops in August. Afghans gathered in thousands at Kabul airport to flee the country out of fear of the Taliban. After solidifying grip on power, Taliban appeared to suggest that their rule would be different than before, but their all-men government features individuals who are designated terrorists.

Taliban leader says executions will return in Afghanistan

Taliban fighters have executed 22 Afghan commandos in the town of Dawlat Abad in Faryab province as they surrendered after some clashes. Several videos have surfaced of the incident.

Taliban fighters execute 22 unarmed Afghan soldiers who surrendered

When Virginia abolished the death penalty this week, much of the response focused on what was new: the first Southern state to take this step, the state that has executed more people than any other in American history.

But it’s also worth noting what was not new: the reasoning behind the decision. In a statement on Wednesday, Virginia’s governor, Ralph Northam, said: “Ending the death penalty comes down to one fundamental question, one question: Is it fair? For the state to apply this ultimate, final punishment, the answer needs to be yes. Fair means that it is applied equally to anyone, no matter who they are.”

Because he could not answer that question in the affirmative, Northam said, he could not support the death penalty’s continued use.

This is the same rationale that justices of the Supreme Court relied on almost 50 years ago, when the court barred the use of the death penalty as it was applied at the time. The ruling in Furman v. Georgia involved death sentences in three separate cases with very different facts.

“These death sentences are cruel and unusual in the same way that being struck by lightning is cruel and unusual,” Justice Potter Stewart wrote in a concurring opinion. “The Eighth and 14th Amendments cannot tolerate the infliction of a sentence of death under legal systems that permit this unique penalty to be so wantonly and so freakishly imposed.”

Four years later, in 1976, the court allowed the practice to resume after states updated their sentencing procedures to address the constitutional concerns. But those fixes did not actually solve the problems that continue to plague capital punishment.

For one thing, race has always been a central factor in the imposition of death, no matter how often officials deny it. In a 1987 case, the court considered evidence that those convicted of murdering a white person were more than four times as likely to be sentenced to death than if their victim were Black. The court declined to find that this was sufficient to strike down the practice. More recent research confirms the pattern: Counties with more Black residents, and more white victims, still have more death sentences — what researchers have called a “white lives matter” effect.

Over the past few decades, the court has restricted or barred the use of the death penalty in cases involving juveniles and those with intellectual disabilities. But some states have found creative ways to avoid these rulings and keep on killing.

Then there are the wrongful convictions and even cases of innocence. Since 1973, 185 people have been exonerated of the charges that landed them on death row, most often because of official misconduct. Not everyone is so lucky; at least 18 people have been executed despite serious doubts about their guilt, according to the Death Penalty Information Center, which opposes the practice.

The death penalty has not been shown to deter crime, despite the repeated claim to the contrary by its supporters. “It’s going to make Virginia less safe, less secure,” Jason Miyares, a Republican lawmaker, said of abolition. In fact, states that execute people have consistently higher murder rates than those that do not.

Despite this compelling evidence of the death penalty’s futility, the federal and state governments have put to death more than 1,450 people since the reinstatement of capital punishment in 1976.

The good news is that its overall use has dropped sharply in recent years. New death sentences are down from a high of 315 in 1996 to 18 in 2020. Annual executions have plummeted, too, from 98 in 1999 to 17 in 2020.

More than half of last year’s executions were for federal crimes, the first time in history that the federal government put more people to death than all the states combined. Credit for this dubious achievement goes to former President Donald Trump, who authorized a spate of executions as the election neared, and then three more after he lost to Joe Biden.

Politicians once calculated that backing the death penalty was an effective electoral strategy to show their tough-on-crime bona fides. But that’s less and less true. Americans’ support for the death penalty, which in the past reached as high as 80%, has now fallen to 55%, its lowest mark in half a century — part of Americans’ growing awareness of the profound failures and inequities of their criminal justice system.

With Virginia’s ban this week, 23 states now prohibit the death penalty, and 11 more haven’t used it in at least a decade. It’s not a simple partisan issue, either. In several states, Republican lawmakers have joined Democrats in voting to ban capital punishment. In Virginia, some Democrats still supported the practice as recently as last year.

What remains for the defenders of state-sponsored killing? Nothing but cruelty. It’s a tried and true tactic, even among certain Supreme Court justices, to linger on the grisliness of the crimes, as if those who oppose capital punishment are somehow unaware of those facts, or are untroubled by them. Horror stories miss the point. No one disputes that the crimes for which people are sentenced to death are abhorrent and demand justice. But a society that sinks to the level of its worst offenders is not only hypocritical, it also poisons itself with an endless cycle of vengeance.

Biden, who like most Democratic presidential candidates campaigned on ending the death penalty, can help break that cycle by imposing an immediate moratorium on federal executions, and commuting the sentences of the 50 or so inmates on federal death row in Terre Haute, Indiana. These inmates account for a small fraction of the more than 2,500 condemned people around the country, but a moratorium would still be an important step toward admitting what the country’s highest court began to acknowledge decades ago: The death penalty is cruel, ineffective and morally repugnant. America needs to join most of the rest of the world and eliminate it.

When Virginia abolished the death penalty this week, much of the response focused on what was new: the first Southern state to take this step, the state that has executed more people than any other in American history.

When Virginia abolished the death penalty this week, much of the response focused on what was new: the first Southern state to take this step, the state that has executed more people than any other in American history. But it’s also worth noting what was not new: the reasoning behind the decision. In a statement on Wednesday, Virginia’s governor, Ralph Northam, said: “Ending the death penalty comes down to one fundamental question, one question: Is it fair? For the state to apply this ultimate, final punishment, the answer needs to be yes. Fair means that it is applied equally to anyone, no matter who they are.” Because he could not answer that question in the affirmative, Northam said, he could not support the death penalty’s continued use. This is the same rationale that justices of the Supreme Court relied on almost 50 years ago, when the court barred the use of the death penalty as it was applied at the time. The ruling in Furman v. Georgia involved death sentences in three separate cases with very different facts. “These death sentences are cruel and unusual in the same way that being struck by lightning is cruel and unusual,” Justice Potter Stewart wrote in a concurring opinion. “The Eighth and 14th Amendments cannot tolerate the infliction of a sentence of death under legal systems that permit this unique penalty to be so wantonly and so freakishly imposed.” Four years later, in 1976, the court allowed the practice to resume after states updated their sentencing procedures to address the constitutional concerns. But those fixes did not actually solve the problems that continue to plague capital punishment. For one thing, race has always been a central factor in the imposition of death, no matter how often officials deny it. In a 1987 case, the court considered evidence that those convicted of murdering a white person were more than four times as likely to be sentenced to death than if their victim were Black. The court declined to find that this was sufficient to strike down the practice. More recent research confirms the pattern: Counties with more Black residents, and more white victims, still have more death sentences — what researchers have called a “white lives matter” effect. Over the past few decades, the court has restricted or barred the use of the death penalty in cases involving juveniles and those with intellectual disabilities. But some states have found creative ways to avoid these rulings and keep on killing. Then there are the wrongful convictions and even cases of innocence. Since 1973, 185 people have been exonerated of the charges that landed them on death row, most often because of official misconduct. Not everyone is so lucky; at least 18 people have been executed despite serious doubts about their guilt, according to the Death Penalty Information Center, which opposes the practice. The death penalty has not been shown to deter crime, despite the repeated claim to the contrary by its supporters. “It’s going to make Virginia less safe, less secure,” Jason Miyares, a Republican lawmaker, said of abolition. In fact, states that execute people have consistently higher murder rates than those that do not. Despite this compelling evidence of the death penalty’s futility, the federal and state governments have put to death more than 1,450 people since the reinstatement of capital punishment in 1976. The good news is that its overall use has dropped sharply in recent years. New death sentences are down from a high of 315 in 1996 to 18 in 2020. Annual executions have plummeted, too, from 98 in 1999 to 17 in 2020. More than half of last year’s executions were for federal crimes, the first time in history that the federal government put more people to death than all the states combined. Credit for this dubious achievement goes to former President Donald Trump, who authorized a spate of executions as the election neared, and then three more after he lost to Joe Biden. Politicians once calculated that backing the death penalty was an effective electoral strategy to show their tough-on-crime bona fides. But that’s less and less true. Americans’ support for the death penalty, which in the past reached as high as 80%, has now fallen to 55%, its lowest mark in half a century — part of Americans’ growing awareness of the profound failures and inequities of their criminal justice system. With Virginia’s ban this week, 23 states now prohibit the death penalty, and 11 more haven’t used it in at least a decade. It’s not a simple partisan issue, either. In several states, Republican lawmakers have joined Democrats in voting to ban capital punishment. In Virginia, some Democrats still supported the practice as recently as last year. What remains for the defenders of state-sponsored killing? Nothing but cruelty. It’s a tried and true tactic, even among certain Supreme Court justices, to linger on the grisliness of the crimes, as if those who oppose capital punishment are somehow unaware of those facts, or are untroubled by them. Horror stories miss the point. No one disputes that the crimes for which people are sentenced to death are abhorrent and demand justice. But a society that sinks to the level of its worst offenders is not only hypocritical, it also poisons itself with an endless cycle of vengeance. Biden, who like most Democratic presidential candidates campaigned on ending the death penalty, can help break that cycle by imposing an immediate moratorium on federal executions, and commuting the sentences of the 50 or so inmates on federal death row in Terre Haute, Indiana. These inmates account for a small fraction of the more than 2,500 condemned people around the country, but a moratorium would still be an important step toward admitting what the country’s highest court began to acknowledge decades ago: The death penalty is cruel, ineffective and morally repugnant. America needs to join most of the rest of the world and eliminate it.

Stop the executions, President Biden

A U.S. federal judge said that the Justice Department broke the law when it rescheduled the execution of the only woman on federal death row last month, potentially pushing her execution into Democratic President-elect Joe Biden`s new administration.

U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss on Thursday vacated an order from the Federal Bureau of Prisons, which is part of the Justice Department, that had rescheduled convicted murderer Lisa Montgomery`s execution to Jan. 12.

Her execution had originally been scheduled for Dec. 8, but Moss agreed last month to delay after Montgomery`s attorneys fell ill with COVID-19 and were unable to file a timely clemency petition on her behalf.

Moss on Nov. 19 gave Montgomery`s lawyers until Dec. 24 to file the clemency request and granted Montgomery a stay of execution until Dec. 31. On Nov. 23, the Bureau of Prisons announced it was rescheduling her execution to Jan. 12, 2021.

Moss on Thursday sided with Montgomery`s lawyers, who argued that federal regulations bar the Bureau of Prisons from rescheduling an execution during a stay period. Under Moss`s Thursday order, the Bureau of Prisons cannot set a new date for Montgomery`s execution until Jan. 1.

Justice Department rules require inmates be notified of their execution date at least 20 days beforehand, except when the date follows a postponement of fewer than 20 days. That means Montgomery`s execution could be pushed to after Biden, who opposes the death penalty, takes office on Jan. 20.

The Justice Department, under Attorney General William Barr, who stepped down earlier this week, resumed the use of the federal death penalty earlier this year following a 17-year hiatus.

Montgomery, now 52, was convicted in 2007 of kidnapping and strangling Bobbie Jo Stinnett, who was eight months pregnant. Montgomery then cut the baby, who survived the attack, out of the womb. Her lawyers had said that

Montgomery has long suffered from severe mental illness and was the victim of sexual assault.

"Given the severity of Mrs. Montgomery’s mental illness, the sexual and physical torture she endured throughout her life, and the connection between her trauma and the facts of her crime, we appeal to President Trump to grant her mercy, and commute her sentence to life imprisonment," Sandra Babcock, an attorney for Montgomery and clinical professor of law at Cornell Law School, said in a statement.

A spokeswoman for the Justice Department did not immediately provide comment on the Christmas holiday.

A U.S. federal judge said that the Justice Department broke the law when it rescheduled the execution of the only woman on federal death row last month, potentially pushing her execution into Democratic President-elect Joe Biden`s new administration.

A U.S. federal judge said that the Justice Department broke the law when it rescheduled the execution of the only woman on federal death row last month, potentially pushing her execution into Democratic President-elect Joe Biden`s new administration. U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss on Thursday vacated an order from the Federal Bureau of Prisons, which is part of the Justice Department, that had rescheduled convicted murderer Lisa Montgomery`s execution to Jan. 12. Her execution had originally been scheduled for Dec. 8, but Moss agreed last month to delay after Montgomery`s attorneys fell ill with COVID-19 and were unable to file a timely clemency petition on her behalf. Moss on Nov. 19 gave Montgomery`s lawyers until Dec. 24 to file the clemency request and granted Montgomery a stay of execution until Dec. 31. On Nov. 23, the Bureau of Prisons announced it was rescheduling her execution to Jan. 12, 2021. Moss on Thursday sided with Montgomery`s lawyers, who argued that federal regulations bar the Bureau of Prisons from rescheduling an execution during a stay period. Under Moss`s Thursday order, the Bureau of Prisons cannot set a new date for Montgomery`s execution until Jan. 1. Justice Department rules require inmates be notified of their execution date at least 20 days beforehand, except when the date follows a postponement of fewer than 20 days. That means Montgomery`s execution could be pushed to after Biden, who opposes the death penalty, takes office on Jan. 20. The Justice Department, under Attorney General William Barr, who stepped down earlier this week, resumed the use of the federal death penalty earlier this year following a 17-year hiatus. Montgomery, now 52, was convicted in 2007 of kidnapping and strangling Bobbie Jo Stinnett, who was eight months pregnant. Montgomery then cut the baby, who survived the attack, out of the womb. Her lawyers had said that Montgomery has long suffered from severe mental illness and was the victim of sexual assault. "Given the severity of Mrs. Montgomery’s mental illness, the sexual and physical torture she endured throughout her life, and the connection between her trauma and the facts of her crime, we appeal to President Trump to grant her mercy, and commute her sentence to life imprisonment," Sandra Babcock, an attorney for Montgomery and clinical professor of law at Cornell Law School, said in a statement. A spokeswoman for the Justice Department did not immediately provide comment on the Christmas holiday.

US judge again delays execution of lone woman on federal death row

The federal government of the United States will be&nbsp;executing a woman for the first time since&nbsp;1953&nbsp;for&nbsp;strangling a Missouri woman.

There have been a string of executions in the US this year, and the federal government has finalised dates for two more criminals, which includes a woman.

Identified as&nbsp;Lisa Montgomery, she will be receiving a lethal injection on December 08, as reported by local media channels.

Montgomery was arrested in 2004 and was&nbsp;convicted of strangling an eight-months pregnant&nbsp;woman from Missouri, then cut out and kidnapped the baby.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-may-have-to-leave-country-donald-trump-says-about-losing-to-biden-in-us-election-336195">Also read|&nbsp;'I may have to leave country': Donald Trump says about losing to Biden in US election</a>

As per the&nbsp;US Bureau of Prisons records, the last two women to ever be executed in the United States of America was&nbsp;Bonnie Brown Heady, who was executed on&nbsp;December 18, 1953 for&nbsp;kidnapping and murder, and&nbsp;Ethel Rosenberg who was executed&nbsp;for espionage. Her husband, too was executed.

The criminal is being held at the federal prison in Terre Haute, Indiana currently. The second convict to be executed this year is also at the same facility.

However, Montgomery's lawyers have&nbsp;urged the government to reconsider this decision as they argued that she is&nbsp;mentally ill due to the&nbsp;horrible childhood abuse. They also claimed that Montgomery&nbsp;had poor representation at trial.

The federal government of the United States will be executing a woman for the first time since 1953 for strangling a Missouri woman. There have been a string of executions in the US this year, and the federal government has finalised dates for two more criminals, which includes a woman.

The federal government of the United States will be executing a woman for the first time since 1953 for strangling a Missouri woman. There have been a string of executions in the US this year, and the federal government has finalised dates for two more criminals, which includes a woman. Identified as Lisa Montgomery, she will be receiving a lethal injection on December 08, as reported by local media channels. Montgomery was arrested in 2004 and was convicted of strangling an eight-months pregnant woman from Missouri, then cut out and kidnapped the baby. Also read| 'I may have to leave country': Donald Trump says about losing to Biden in US election As per the US Bureau of Prisons records, the last two women to ever be executed in the United States of America was Bonnie Brown Heady, who was executed on December 18, 1953 for kidnapping and murder, and Ethel Rosenberg who was executed for espionage. Her husband, too was executed. The criminal is being held at the federal prison in Terre Haute, Indiana currently. The second convict to be executed this year is also at the same facility. However, Montgomery's lawyers have urged the government to reconsider this decision as they argued that she is mentally ill due to the horrible childhood abuse. They also claimed that Montgomery had poor representation at trial.

US to execute first woman in December after six decades

A week that marked the return of capital punishment by the US government after a 17-year hiatus ended on Friday with a third execution of a federal prisoner.

Dustin Lee Honken, a convicted murderer, was pronounced dead at 4:36 p.m. EDT (2036 GMT) after an executioner injected him with a powerful barbiturate at the federal prison in Terre Haute, Indiana, the US Department of Justice said.

Efforts by President Donald Trump's administration to resume executions were under way soon after the Republican took office. His administration has now completed as many federal executions in a few days as were carried out in the preceding 57 years.

Lawyers for the condemned men have amassed legal challenges, which include arguments that the Justice Department's new one-drug lethal-injection protocol breaches a constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishments. The arguments were rejected twice this week in overnight rulings by a 5-4 majority in the Supreme Court.

Honken, 52, was a dealer in illegal methamphetamine when he and his girlfriend murdered five people in Iowa in 1993, including a government informant and two girls aged 10 and 6. He was convicted in 2004.

His execution began at 4:06 p.m., when he was asked for any final words after being strapped to a gurney.

"Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for me," he said, according to a media witness who provided an account of the execution to news outlets.

After being injected with pentobarbital, his breathing became more labored. He turned ashen white as blood drained from his face and hands, and his breathing gradually became shallower. It took about 30 minutes before he could be pronounced dead, the media witness said.

Shawn Nolan, one of Honken's lawyers, said Honken had embraced his Catholic faith in prison and repented for his crimes and spent time atoning for them.

"There was no reason for the government to kill him, in haste or at all," Nolan said in a statement. "In any case, they failed. The Dustin Honken they wanted to kill is long gone. The man they killed today was a human being, who could have spent the rest of his days helping others and further redeeming himself."

UNCONSTITUTIONAL OR JUST?

Honken was one of several inmates on federal death row in Terre Haute who have said the new one-drug protocol, which replaces a three-drug protocol the government last used in 2003, would cause an unnecessarily painful death in which their lungs drowned in bloody fluid before they lost consciousness.

The litigation will continue in US District Court in Washington with the surviving prisoners. Since last year, Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is overseeing the cases, has ordered injunctions on three occasions delaying the scheduled executions to allow the legal challenges to play out. All three were overruled by the Supreme Court.

Two other men convicted of murdering children were executed in Terre Haute earlier this week: Daniel Lee, 47, on Tuesday, and Wesley Purkey, 68, on Thursday. Keith Nelson, who murdered a 10-year-old girl, is due to be executed on August 28.

Families of the killers' victims have been divided, reflecting broader public disagreement over capital punishment, which has been abolished by most other countries. Relatives of Lee's victims pleaded for Trump to scrap Lee's execution. The father of the 16-year-old girl murdered by Purkey told reporters that Purkey's death brought some resolution to his grief.

Cassandra Stubbs, director of the American Civil Liberties Union's Capital Punishment Project, called it "a truly dark period for our country." She joined the condemned men's lawyers in criticising higher courts in what they called a rush to short-circuit prisoners' legal rights.

While the Supreme Court's conservative majority wrote that it had established that lethal injection was a constitutional method, some of the liberal justices complained that new problems raised by the changed protocol were being dismissed too hastily.

"I remain convinced of the importance of reconsidering the constitutionality of the death penalty itself," Justice Stephen Breyer wrote in a dissenting opinion on Thursday.

Kerri Kupec, a Justice Department spokeswoman, said in a statement that the executions were a "just punishment."

A week that marked the return of capital punishment by the US government after a 17-year hiatus ended on Friday with a third execution of a federal prisoner. Dustin Lee Honken, a convicted murderer, was pronounced dead at 4:36 p.

A week that marked the return of capital punishment by the US government after a 17-year hiatus ended on Friday with a third execution of a federal prisoner. Dustin Lee Honken, a convicted murderer, was pronounced dead at 4:36 p.m. EDT (2036 GMT) after an executioner injected him with a powerful barbiturate at the federal prison in Terre Haute, Indiana, the US Department of Justice said. Efforts by President Donald Trump's administration to resume executions were under way soon after the Republican took office. His administration has now completed as many federal executions in a few days as were carried out in the preceding 57 years. Lawyers for the condemned men have amassed legal challenges, which include arguments that the Justice Department's new one-drug lethal-injection protocol breaches a constitutional ban on cruel and unusual punishments. The arguments were rejected twice this week in overnight rulings by a 5-4 majority in the Supreme Court. Honken, 52, was a dealer in illegal methamphetamine when he and his girlfriend murdered five people in Iowa in 1993, including a government informant and two girls aged 10 and 6. He was convicted in 2004. His execution began at 4:06 p.m., when he was asked for any final words after being strapped to a gurney. "Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for me," he said, according to a media witness who provided an account of the execution to news outlets. After being injected with pentobarbital, his breathing became more labored. He turned ashen white as blood drained from his face and hands, and his breathing gradually became shallower. It took about 30 minutes before he could be pronounced dead, the media witness said. Shawn Nolan, one of Honken's lawyers, said Honken had embraced his Catholic faith in prison and repented for his crimes and spent time atoning for them. "There was no reason for the government to kill him, in haste or at all," Nolan said in a statement. "In any case, they failed. The Dustin Honken they wanted to kill is long gone. The man they killed today was a human being, who could have spent the rest of his days helping others and further redeeming himself." UNCONSTITUTIONAL OR JUST? Honken was one of several inmates on federal death row in Terre Haute who have said the new one-drug protocol, which replaces a three-drug protocol the government last used in 2003, would cause an unnecessarily painful death in which their lungs drowned in bloody fluid before they lost consciousness. The litigation will continue in US District Court in Washington with the surviving prisoners. Since last year, Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is overseeing the cases, has ordered injunctions on three occasions delaying the scheduled executions to allow the legal challenges to play out. All three were overruled by the Supreme Court. Two other men convicted of murdering children were executed in Terre Haute earlier this week: Daniel Lee, 47, on Tuesday, and Wesley Purkey, 68, on Thursday. Keith Nelson, who murdered a 10-year-old girl, is due to be executed on August 28. Families of the killers' victims have been divided, reflecting broader public disagreement over capital punishment, which has been abolished by most other countries. Relatives of Lee's victims pleaded for Trump to scrap Lee's execution. The father of the 16-year-old girl murdered by Purkey told reporters that Purkey's death brought some resolution to his grief. Cassandra Stubbs, director of the American Civil Liberties Union's Capital Punishment Project, called it "a truly dark period for our country." She joined the condemned men's lawyers in criticising higher courts in what they called a rush to short-circuit prisoners' legal rights. While the Supreme Court's conservative majority wrote that it had established that lethal injection was a constitutional method, some of the liberal justices complained that new problems raised by the changed protocol were being dismissed too hastily. "I remain convinced of the importance of reconsidering the constitutionality of the death penalty itself," Justice Stephen Breyer wrote in a dissenting opinion on Thursday. Kerri Kupec, a Justice Department spokeswoman, said in a statement that the executions were a "just punishment."

US government executes third man this week after 17-year hiatus

Today in History: Coronation of Elizabeth II, start of the Russo-Japanese War and more

The fiancee of murdered Saudi journalist <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-will-seek-accountability-on-khashoggi-no-matter-how-high-it-goes-270052">Jamal Khashoggi</a> described the sentencing of five people to death in relation to the killing as unfair and invalid, adding that their execution would further conceal the truth.

Khashoggi disappeared after going to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October&nbsp;2, 2018, to obtain documents for his planned wedding. His body was reportedly dismembered and removed from the building and his remains have not been found.

A Saudi court on Monday sentenced five people to death and three to jail over the murder, while dismissing charges against three others, finding them not guilty. A UN&nbsp;investigator accused Riyadh of making a "mockery" of justice by exonerating senior figures who may have ordered the killing.

The presiding Saudi court rejected the findings of a UN&nbsp;inquiry by ruling that the killing was not premeditated, rather carried out "at the spur of the moment".

Hatice Cengiz, Khashoggi's fiancee, was waiting outside the consulate when he went inside to retrieve the documents.

In a statement on Tuesday, Cengiz said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jamal-khashoggi-murder-case-acquittals-raise-eyebrows-269769">trial did not reveal</a> why those convicted had killed Khashoggi because the trial was held behind closed doors.

"If these people are executed without any chance to speak or explain themselves, we might never know the truth behind this murder," she said.

"I'm calling upon every authority in the world to condemn this kind of court decision and urgently prevent any execution because this would just be another step in concealing the truth."

Watch:&nbsp;11 found guilty in Khashoggi murder case, 5 sentenced to death

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''Sham trial''

Turkey said on Monday the trial outcome fell far short of serving justice, and on Tuesday Turkish Communications Director Fahrettin Altun slammed the verdict as an "insult to the intelligence of any fair observer".

"The international media must pursue the case of Khashoggi until there is true accountability... Those responsible must face justice sooner or later," Altun said on Twitter, calling the case a "sham trial".

"This despicable murder was done at a diplomatic facility against every diplomatic norm imaginable! We will follow this case to the end regardless (of) how high it goes."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/khashoggi-verdict-far-from-justice-turkey-269814">The murder of Khashoggi</a>, a US&nbsp;resident and critic of the kingdom's de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, caused a global outcry, and some Western governments, as well as the CIA, said they believed the prince ordered the killing.

Saudi officials say he had no role, though in September the crown prince indicated some personal accountability, saying "it happened under my watch".

After Monday's verdict, a source familiar with US&nbsp;intelligence assessments said key US&nbsp;government agencies rejected the validity of the court proceedings and CIA experts still believed Prince Mohammad personally ordered or at least approved of, the killing.

The source said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jamal-khashoggi-murder-saudi-arabia-court-hands-death-penalty-to-five-24-years-imprisonment-to-three-269717">five men condemned to death</a> were essentially foot soldiers in the killing, while two senior security officials acquitted played a more significant role.

The fiancee of murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi described the sentencing of five people to death in relation to the killing as unfair and invalid, adding that their execution would further conceal the truth.

The fiancee of murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi described the sentencing of five people to death in relation to the killing as unfair and invalid, adding that their execution would further conceal the truth. Khashoggi disappeared after going to the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018, to obtain documents for his planned wedding. His body was reportedly dismembered and removed from the building and his remains have not been found. A Saudi court on Monday sentenced five people to death and three to jail over the murder, while dismissing charges against three others, finding them not guilty. A UN investigator accused Riyadh of making a "mockery" of justice by exonerating senior figures who may have ordered the killing. The presiding Saudi court rejected the findings of a UN inquiry by ruling that the killing was not premeditated, rather carried out "at the spur of the moment". Hatice Cengiz, Khashoggi's fiancee, was waiting outside the consulate when he went inside to retrieve the documents. In a statement on Tuesday, Cengiz said the trial did not reveal why those convicted had killed Khashoggi because the trial was held behind closed doors. "If these people are executed without any chance to speak or explain themselves, we might never know the truth behind this murder," she said. "I'm calling upon every authority in the world to condemn this kind of court decision and urgently prevent any execution because this would just be another step in concealing the truth." Watch: 11 found guilty in Khashoggi murder case, 5 sentenced to death ''Sham trial'' Turkey said on Monday the trial outcome fell far short of serving justice, and on Tuesday Turkish Communications Director Fahrettin Altun slammed the verdict as an "insult to the intelligence of any fair observer". "The international media must pursue the case of Khashoggi until there is true accountability... Those responsible must face justice sooner or later," Altun said on Twitter, calling the case a "sham trial". "This despicable murder was done at a diplomatic facility against every diplomatic norm imaginable! We will follow this case to the end regardless (of) how high it goes." The murder of Khashoggi, a US resident and critic of the kingdom's de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, caused a global outcry, and some Western governments, as well as the CIA, said they believed the prince ordered the killing. Saudi officials say he had no role, though in September the crown prince indicated some personal accountability, saying "it happened under my watch". After Monday's verdict, a source familiar with US intelligence assessments said key US government agencies rejected the validity of the court proceedings and CIA experts still believed Prince Mohammad personally ordered or at least approved of, the killing. The source said the five men condemned to death were essentially foot soldiers in the killing, while two senior security officials acquitted played a more significant role.

'Execution of those convicted would conceal truth': Khashoggi's fiancee

Iran executed a trader known as the "Sultan of Bitumen" on Saturday over charges of fraud and large-scale smuggling of the oil product, the judiciary's news agency Mizan online reported.

Hamidreza Bagheri Dermani is the third businessman to be executed since an anti-corruption drive was launched over the summer.&nbsp;

He was convicted of "corruption on earth", Iran's most serious offence, after swindling over 10 trillion rials (around $100 million at the current rate) through "fraud, forgery and bribery", Mizan reported.

Dermani, first arrested in August 2014, reportedly forged dozens of documents of fake real estate to acquire bank loans.&nbsp;

He then used front companies to procure more than 300,000 tonnes of bitumen — an oil-based substance used in asphalt and other products and one of Iran's most profitable businesses — Mizan said.

Dermani was also accused of ties to business magnate Babak Morteza Zanjani, who is awaiting execution after being convicted in 2016 of embezzling $2.7 billion while helping the government circumvent international sanctions.

The judiciary said Dermani's loans were facilitated by former central bank governor Mahmoud Reza Khavari, who was convicted in absentia last year after fleeing to Canada in the wake of yet another major embezzlement scandal.

News of Dermani's execution was presented in dramatic fashion on state television on Saturday, with an action-movie soundtrack and full documentary about his crimes.

The footage showed documents claiming Iranian journalist and women's rights activist Hengameh Shahidi, sentenced earlier this month to 12 years in prison on unspecified charges, had tried to pay Dermani's bail last year.

The authorities have been keen to show they are cracking down on "economic disruptors" accused of exploiting shortages and fluctuations in gold and currency prices.&nbsp;

Dozens have been tried and in November a trader dubbed the "Sultan of Coins" and partner were executed for exploiting a surge in gold demand from savers spooked by this year's currency crisis.

Iran has seen a sharp economic downturn this year, fuelled in part by US President Donald Trump's decision in May to withdraw from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal and reimpose crippling unilateral sanctions.

Iran executed a trader known as the "Sultan of Bitumen" on Saturday over charges of fraud and large-scale smuggling of the oil product, the judiciary's news agency Mizan online reported.

Iran executed a trader known as the "Sultan of Bitumen" on Saturday over charges of fraud and large-scale smuggling of the oil product, the judiciary's news agency Mizan online reported. Hamidreza Bagheri Dermani is the third businessman to be executed since an anti-corruption drive was launched over the summer. He was convicted of "corruption on earth", Iran's most serious offence, after swindling over 10 trillion rials (around $100 million at the current rate) through "fraud, forgery and bribery", Mizan reported. Dermani, first arrested in August 2014, reportedly forged dozens of documents of fake real estate to acquire bank loans. He then used front companies to procure more than 300,000 tonnes of bitumen — an oil-based substance used in asphalt and other products and one of Iran's most profitable businesses — Mizan said. Dermani was also accused of ties to business magnate Babak Morteza Zanjani, who is awaiting execution after being convicted in 2016 of embezzling $2.7 billion while helping the government circumvent international sanctions. The judiciary said Dermani's loans were facilitated by former central bank governor Mahmoud Reza Khavari, who was convicted in absentia last year after fleeing to Canada in the wake of yet another major embezzlement scandal. News of Dermani's execution was presented in dramatic fashion on state television on Saturday, with an action-movie soundtrack and full documentary about his crimes. The footage showed documents claiming Iranian journalist and women's rights activist Hengameh Shahidi, sentenced earlier this month to 12 years in prison on unspecified charges, had tried to pay Dermani's bail last year. The authorities have been keen to show they are cracking down on "economic disruptors" accused of exploiting shortages and fluctuations in gold and currency prices. Dozens have been tried and in November a trader dubbed the "Sultan of Coins" and partner were executed for exploiting a surge in gold demand from savers spooked by this year's currency crisis. Iran has seen a sharp economic downturn this year, fuelled in part by US President Donald Trump's decision in May to withdraw from a landmark 2015 nuclear deal and reimpose crippling unilateral sanctions.

Iran executes trader dubbed 'Sultan of Bitumen'

Self-styled godman Daati Maharaj who has been accused of rape by a disciple has assured cooperation in the investigation.

Daati Maharaj said that the complainant was like his daughter and he would not blame her even if he is executed.

"I won't put any allegations on that girl because she was my daughter and will continue to be that. Even if I am hanged, I won't put allegations on her. If I have done anything wrong, then the legal authorities will look into that. I will fully cooperate in the investigation," he said.

Daati Maharaj's comment comes after the crime branch of the Delhi Police on Wednesday recorded the statement of the victim and initiated the process to issue a Lookout Circular against the self-styled godman. He will not be permitted to leave the country.

Daati Maharaj has been accused of raping a disciple inside Shani Dham two years ago.

The woman registered a case in Fatehpur Beri police station on Sunday. It was later transferred to the District Investigation Unit (DIU).

Daati Maharaj has been booked under Indian Penal Code, sections - 376, 377, 354 and 34.

The woman has alleged that she didn't file a complaint earlier as she felt intimidated by the self-styled godman. She also said she was raped repeatedly at Gurukul Ashwasan in Rajasthan's Bal Gram.

Daati Maharaj said that the complainant was like his daughter and he would not blame her even if he is executed

Self-styled godman Daati Maharaj who has been accused of rape by a disciple has assured cooperation in the investigation. Daati Maharaj said that the complainant was like his daughter and he would not blame her even if he is executed. "I won't put any allegations on that girl because she was my daughter and will continue to be that. Even if I am hanged, I won't put allegations on her. If I have done anything wrong, then the legal authorities will look into that. I will fully cooperate in the investigation," he said. Daati Maharaj's comment comes after the crime branch of the Delhi Police on Wednesday recorded the statement of the victim and initiated the process to issue a Lookout Circular against the self-styled godman. He will not be permitted to leave the country. Daati Maharaj has been accused of raping a disciple inside Shani Dham two years ago. The woman registered a case in Fatehpur Beri police station on Sunday. It was later transferred to the District Investigation Unit (DIU). Daati Maharaj has been booked under Indian Penal Code, sections - 376, 377, 354 and 34. The woman has alleged that she didn't file a complaint earlier as she felt intimidated by the self-styled godman. She also said she was raped repeatedly at Gurukul Ashwasan in Rajasthan's Bal Gram.

The girl was like my daughter: Rape-accused Daati Maharaj

The US&nbspSupreme Court on Thursday denied last-minute appeals to spare the life of an 83-year-old convicted killer, clearing the path for Alabama's execution of a man who would be the oldest inmate put to death in the modern era of US&nbspcapital punishment.

The execution of Walter Moody had been scheduled for 6 pm&nbspCDT (2300 GMT) at the William C&nbspHolman Correctional Facility in Atmore but was delayed as the court considered the appeals.

The Death Penalty Information Center, which monitors US&nbspcapital punishment, said the oldest inmate put to death since the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976 was 77-year-old John Nixon in Mississippi in December 2005.

There have been seven executions this year in the United States.

Moody was convicted of mailing a bomb in 1989 that killed US&nbspCircuit Court Judge Robert Vance, 58, and another explosive that killed Georgia civil rights attorney Robert Robinson.

Prosecutors have said Moody sent the bomb to the judge in anger over a 1972 bomb conviction that Moody felt derailed his career, and sent the other to the civil rights lawyer to confuse investigators.

Lawyers for Moody asked the Supreme Court on Thursday to spare Moody's life based on his transfer from the federal court system to Alabama's.

The court did not offer details on why it denied the appeals.

Moody first received seven life sentences in a US&nbspditrict court in 1991 for the deadly bombings. Alabama later indicted him on capital murder charges and his trial began in the state in 1996, court records showed.

Moody's lawyer argued the transfer to an Alabama prison was illegal and he should first serve his federal sentence.

Lawyers for Alabama responded that the federal government consented to the transfer and the state had the right to implement the death penalty handed out by an Alabama court.

Although it has not been an issue in Moody's last-minute appeals, age and poor health were major factors in a botched execution in Alabama earlier this year when the state tried to put to death Doyle Hamm, 61, who had terminal cancer and severely compromised veins.

The execution was called off while Hamm, who survived the ordeal, was on a death chamber gurney and medical staff could not place a line for the lethal injection.

The execution of Walter Moody had been scheduled for 6 pm CDT (2300 GMT) at the William C Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore but was delayed as the court considered the appeals

The US&nbspSupreme Court on Thursday denied last-minute appeals to spare the life of an 83-year-old convicted killer, clearing the path for Alabama's execution of a man who would be the oldest inmate put to death in the modern era of US&nbspcapital punishment. The execution of Walter Moody had been scheduled for 6 pm&nbspCDT (2300 GMT) at the William C&nbspHolman Correctional Facility in Atmore but was delayed as the court considered the appeals. The Death Penalty Information Center, which monitors US&nbspcapital punishment, said the oldest inmate put to death since the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976 was 77-year-old John Nixon in Mississippi in December 2005. There have been seven executions this year in the United States. Moody was convicted of mailing a bomb in 1989 that killed US&nbspCircuit Court Judge Robert Vance, 58, and another explosive that killed Georgia civil rights attorney Robert Robinson. Prosecutors have said Moody sent the bomb to the judge in anger over a 1972 bomb conviction that Moody felt derailed his career, and sent the other to the civil rights lawyer to confuse investigators. Lawyers for Moody asked the Supreme Court on Thursday to spare Moody's life based on his transfer from the federal court system to Alabama's. The court did not offer details on why it denied the appeals. Moody first received seven life sentences in a US&nbspditrict court in 1991 for the deadly bombings. Alabama later indicted him on capital murder charges and his trial began in the state in 1996, court records showed. Moody's lawyer argued the transfer to an Alabama prison was illegal and he should first serve his federal sentence. Lawyers for Alabama responded that the federal government consented to the transfer and the state had the right to implement the death penalty handed out by an Alabama court. Although it has not been an issue in Moody's last-minute appeals, age and poor health were major factors in a botched execution in Alabama earlier this year when the state tried to put to death Doyle Hamm, 61, who had terminal cancer and severely compromised veins. The execution was called off while Hamm, who survived the ordeal, was on a death chamber gurney and medical staff could not place a line for the lethal injection.

Supreme Court allows Alabama to execute Walter Moody

The United Nations on Saturday said that they have planned to stop the mass executions of prisoners in the country following the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-hangs-38-members-of-is-qaeda-for-terrorism-26762"> execution of 38 members from the Islamic State group</a> or Al-Qaeda for terrorism offences.&nbsp;

The UN also showed their doubts over Iraq&#39;s criminal justice system, reports said.&nbsp;

UN spokesperson Elizabeth Throssell claimed that considering the &#39;flaws&#39; in Iraq&#39;s justice system, it is highly doubtful if a fair and stringent process was carried out in the execution. &nbsp;

She further added that this has lead to a possibility of &#39;irreversible miscarriages of justice and violations of the right to life&#39;.&nbsp;

This has by far been the largest number of executions in Iraq on a single day since September 25 when 42 people were put to death in the same prison.

On December 9, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced &quot;the end of the war&quot; in the country against the Islamic State (IS) group and further added that their force was in full control of &nbsp;Iraqi-Syrian border.

IS swept across a third of Iraq in 2014 and seized several major cities including Mosul, the country&#39;s second biggest, before a fightback launched in 2015. 
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The UN also showed their doubts over Iraq's criminal justice system

The United Nations on Saturday said that they have planned to stop the mass executions of prisoners in the country following the execution of 38 members from the Islamic State group or Al-Qaeda for terrorism offences. The UN also showed their doubts over Iraq's criminal justice system, reports said. UN spokesperson Elizabeth Throssell claimed that considering the 'flaws' in Iraq's justice system, it is highly doubtful if a fair and stringent process was carried out in the execution. She further added that this has lead to a possibility of 'irreversible miscarriages of justice and violations of the right to life'. This has by far been the largest number of executions in Iraq on a single day since September 25 when 42 people were put to death in the same prison. On December 9, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced "the end of the war" in the country against the Islamic State (IS) group and further added that their force was in full control of Iraqi-Syrian border. IS swept across a third of Iraq in 2014 and seized several major cities including Mosul, the country's second biggest, before a fightback launched in 2015.

UN condemns execution of prisoners in Iraq, calls for immediate halt

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