Summary: 5 February 2010, Brussels - Statement by High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, Catherine Ashton, on imminent executions in Iran
Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, made today the following statement:
"Iranian authorities declared on 2 February that nine individuals sentenced in recent mass trials on various charges including mohareb, or 'taking up arms against God', would be executed soon.
This announcement is part of a disturbing trend to intimidate opposition protestors.
The European Union is opposed to capital punishment under all circumstances and calls on Iran to institute an immediate moratorium on executions. The European Union is deeply concerned by this announcement. It urges Iran to respect minimum standards in capital cases, including the right to a fair trial and to seek clemency, in accordance with international human rights obligations that Iran has subscribed to."
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