Iran executes man in public over young girl’s rape, murder

Man hanged in northwestern Iran at request of child’s family; Islamic Republic ranks second globally in number of executions

A demonstrator holds up a sign reading 'Stop Executions in Iran' as Iranian opposition protesters carry their national flags in Paris during a rally to protest against the visit of the Iranian president, Hassan Rouhani, in France, January 28, 2016.  (AP Photo/Zacharie Scheurer)
A demonstrator holds up a sign reading 'Stop Executions in Iran' as Iranian opposition protesters carry their national flags in Paris during a rally to protest against the visit of the Iranian president, Hassan Rouhani, in France, January 28, 2016. (AP Photo/Zacharie Scheurer)

Iranian authorities carried out on Saturday a public execution of a man convicted of raping and murdering a young girl, the judiciary said.

The victim’s family, from the northwestern city of Bukan, had been involved in the legal proceedings and requested the public execution, according to the judiciary’s Mizan Online news website.

“The case was given special attention due to the emotional impact it had on public opinion,” Mizan quoted the provincial chief justice, Naser Atabati, as saying.

The death sentence was issued in March and later upheld by the Islamic republic’s top court.

Public executions, typically by hanging, are not uncommon in Iran but do occur in cases deemed especially severe.

Murder and rape are punishable by death in Iran, the world’s second most prolific executioner after China, according to human rights groups including Amnesty International.

Most Popular
read more:
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.