LONDON, Aug 30 (KUNA) -- The UK government urged Iraq on Thursday to halt executions, after reports emerged that 26 people said to be linked with terrorism were executed over the past few days.
Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt said: "I am very concerned by the execution of 26 people over the past few days in Iraq".
In a statement, the minister responsible for the Middle East said these latest executions bring the total number of people who met this fate since the start of the year to around 96, more than for the whole of 2011.
"We accept that the security situation in Iraq remains difficult, but the UK continues to oppose the use of the death penalty as a matter of principle. We also believe that there is no conclusive evidence of its deterrent value; and we recall that any miscarriage of justice leading to its imposition is irreversible and irreparable".
"The UK has reminded the Government of Iraq of its stance, and London called on the Government of Iraq to introduce a moratorium on the use of the death penalty, with a view to its abolition," the minister said. (end) he.sd KUNA 301855 Aug 12NNNN