LONDON: The Iranian regime is secretly killing dozens of children every year in violation of international law, according to a rights group.
According to Iran’s human rights activists, more than 85 people are currently on death row for crimes they have been accused of committing as children.
In its annual report it was found that 299 civilians had been executed in the year until 9 October.
But getting information about the executions was a struggle, the group said, adding that judicial officials did not make a public announcement in 82 per cent of the cases. It warned that up to 100 children could be hanged secretly every year.
The killing of boys aged 15 years and older and girls over the age of 9 is punishable by death in Iran, where confessions are often made through torture. International law prohibits the death penalty for crimes committed before the age of 18.
Iran barred travelers from parts of Western Europe out of fear of Omicron Iranian teachers protesting persecution.