UN condemns Iran's execution of minors, notes 'worrying trend'
UNITED NATIONS - United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday condemned Iran's execution of two minors last week, while voicing his concern about the rise in executions in the Islamic republic.
"(Ban) is deeply saddened by the news of the execution of two juvenile offenders last week in Iran," Ban's press office said in a statement.
It added that Iran has ratified both the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which prohibit the death penalty for anyone under the age of eighteen.
The statement said Ban was concerned last week's executions "reflect a worrying trend in Iran."
"Over 700 executions are reported to have taken place so far this year, including at least 40 public, marking the highest total recorded in the past 12 years," it said.
