Iraq executes 13 terror convicts despite international concerns

BAGHDAD, April 16 (Xinhua) -- Iraq said on Monday it executed 13 convicted prisoners over charges of terrorism, despite international calls to end the death penalty.

"Eleven convicts were accused of charges ranging from car bombings, killing of security members and kidnappings," the Iraqi Ministry of Justice said in a statement, without giving further details on the other 2 convicts.

The ministry renewed its commitment to "implement the law without being affected by any pressures."

The increase of executions in Iraq has sparked calls to stop capital punishment by the UN mission in Iraq, European Union and some international human rights groups, which have criticized the lack of transparency in Iraqi courts.

Death penalty in Iraq was suspended on June 10, 2003, but was reinstated from Aug. 8, 2004. Enditem