20 people were executed in Iran on July 4, 2009

According to the state run Iranian news agency Fars, 20 people were hanged in the Rajaee shahr prison of Karaj (west of Tehran) early this morning July 4. The report also said that "all those hanged were convicted of drug trafficking between 2004 and 2008, and were between 35 and 48 years of age".

On July 3., Iran Human Rights warned that 29 prisoners were scheduled to be executed in Tehran today July 4.

Iran Human Rights is investigating whether among those executed, there were people arrested in connection with the recent pro-democracy demonstrations in Iran. Rajaee shahr prison is commonly not used for executions but under special situations.

"34 people have been executed in Iran in the past 4 days, and 26 of the executions have taken place in Tehran. There is no doubt that these executions are meant to spread fear among the people and suppress further the pro-democracy movement in Iran" said Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, spokesperson of Iran Human Rights.

He added: "Several thousand people have been arrested following the last 3 weeks' demonstrations in Iran. Many of them are in danger of torture, forced confession and execution. The world community, UN, EU and all countries with diplomatic ties with Iran must do whatever they can in order to stop the bloodshed started by the Iranian regime."

Amiry-Moghaddam continued:"The world must act now, before it is too late! We also ask the world community to support the legitimate demands of the Iranian people and not to recognize results of the recent Iranian election."

Source: Iranhr.net, July 4, 2009

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