Mahmoud Asgari, 16, and Ayaz Marhoni, 18, shortly before their execution in 2005
An international convention has sought to ban the execution of juveniles

A senior judicial figure in Iran has cast doubt on reports that Tehran will stop executing juveniles.

Deputy prosecutor general Hossein Zebhi told a newspaper that under Sharia law only a murder victim’s family could commute a death sentence.

He had suggested last week that judges were being told to stop imposing the death penalty on young offenders.

Iran has been widely condemned for being one of the few remaining nations to execute offenders aged under 18.

Amnesty International says at least six youths have been executed in Iran this year alone.

Mr Zebhi was quoted by the daily Etemad-e Melli newspaper as saying: “The principle of retribution… is not up to the government, rather it is up to the private plaintiff.”

“Only if the next of kin give their consent can there be a reduction in the punishment,” he added.

Blood money

continue reading at          http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/7680843.stm

 

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