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Women Being Sent to the Gallows in Alarming Numbers in Iran

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Many Were Child Brides Hanged for Murder of Abusive Husbands From Whom There Was No Protection  December 18, 2024 — Amidst a huge surge in executions in the Islamic Republic— 862 so far in 2024, the highest per capita execution rate globally—the Iranian authorities are now increasingly including women in those it sends to the gallows. Since the start of 2024, Iran has executed at least 29 women. More executions of women may have taken place that are unknown.
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Japanese Justice Minister May Halt Executions

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Execution chamber
at Tokyo's Detention Center
July 29, 2011: Japanese Justice Minister Satsuki Eda indicated his intention not to authorize the execution of death row inmates for the time being in an exclusive interview with The Yomiuri Shimbun, one year after the last death sentences were carried out on July 28, 2010.

Considering the Justice Ministry has been discussing the future of the death penalty system, "It's very unlikely [that I will] enforce it," Eda said.

According to the ministry, 107 inmates remained on death row following the last execution. Since then, the number of death row inmates has risen to 120.

The ministry launched an internal study group in August to discuss the death penalty, including the possibility of abolishing it. The group is still reviewing points of the argument.

"Human beings are rational creatures. I think it's wrongheaded to claim that taking the life of a person is the expression of a rational nature," Eda told The Yomiuri Shimbun.

"I'm considering how to exercise the authority given to the Justice Minister, keeping in mind the global trend [to eliminate the death penalty]," Eda added.

The Criminal Procedure Code stipulates that execution of inmates on death row should take place within six months of a death sentence. However, executions are not conducted as long as the Justice Minister has not signed the order of execution.

The death sentences of two men were enforced on July 28, 2010, based on orders by then Justice Minister Keiko Chiba. They were the last cases of the death penalty being imposed to date.

Source: Yomiuri.co.jp, Hands Off Cain, July 29, 2011

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Location: Japon
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