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Japan | Hakamada found religion, but then felt under attack by ‘the devil’

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Editor's note: This is the last in a four-part series on letters that Iwao Hakamada wrote while on death row. About a decade after cursing God, Iwao Hakamada was baptized Catholic at the Tokyo Detention House on Dec. 24, 1984. “Since I have been given the Christian name Paul, I am keenly feeling that I should be aware of the greatness of Paul.” (June 1985)

Iran: Four Prisoners Hanged on Drug Charges

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Iran execution (file photo)
Iran Human Rights (JULY 8 2017): Four prisoners were reportedly hanged at Urmia's central prison on drug related charges.

According to close sources, the prisoners were executed on the morning of Saturday July 8.

Iran Human Rights has obtained the names of the prisoners: Khalil Mousavi Kousi, Mir-Jan Abdi, Kheiroldin Mashmoul and Soufi Koloukzadeh Gangchin.

These prisoners were reportedly transferred to solitary confinement in preparation for their executions.

Iranian parliament members had formerly requested from the Judiciary to stop drug related executions for at least five thousand prisoners pending further investigation.

However, the request has not stopped the Judiciary from carrying out death sentences for prisoners with drug related charges.

Iranian official sources, including the Judiciary and the media, have not announced these four executions.

Source: Iran Human Rights, July 8, 2017

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Location: Urmia, West Azerbaijan Province, Iran
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