Statement by the spokesperson of the EU High Representative, Catherine Ashton, on the resumption of executions in Iraq

EU News 379/2013

Brussels, 22 August 2013
A 429/13

The spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today:

"The High Representative deeply regrets the execution of 17 prisoners in Iraq on 19 August. She considers that the suspension of the death penalty earlier this year was a welcome step.

The High Representative recognises both that the security situation in Iraq is very difficult at the moment and the seriousness of the crimes for which those sentenced to death have been convicted.

Nevertheless, the EU opposes the use of capital punishment in all cases and under all circumstances and the High Representative urges the Government of Iraq to move toward a moratorium on executions as a first step towards definitive abolition of capital punishment."

Source: http://www.consilium.europa.eu/uedocs/cms_data/docs/pressdata/EN/foraff/138606.pdf

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