Execution of Iranian dissidents was murder: US
January 29th, 2010 - 6:18 am ICT by IANSWashington, Jan 29 (DPA) The US strongly condemned Iran’s execution of two dissidents Thursday, saying the murderous act was a “low point” in the Islamic state’s repression of political speech.
“The US strongly condemns these unjust executions,” White House deputy spokesman Bill Burton said. “We see it as a low point in the Islamic Republic’s unjust and ruthless crackdown of peaceful dissent.”
Iran hung two dissidents early Thursday morning and sentenced nine others to die. Iran accused the two men, Mohammad-Reza Ali-Zamani and Arash Rahmanipour, of being members of monarchist groups plotting attacks against Islamic rule.
They were also accused of belonging to the armed People’s Mujaheddin, a group Iran considers a terrorist organisation.
Iran has arrested and charged hundreds of people following mass demonstrations that broke out in August after President Mahmoud Ajmadinejad was re-elected in what protestors called fraudulent balloting.
There were conflicting reports about when the two executed men were arrested.
“Murdering political prisoners who are exercising their universal rights will not bring the respect and legitimacy the Islamic Republic seeks,” Burton said. “It will only serve to further isolate Iran’s government in the world and from its people.”
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