27/09/2024 (Agence Europe) – On Friday 27 September, the spokesman for the European External Action Service (EEAS) stressed the EU’s deep concern at the recent increased application of the death penalty in Iraq, including several executions in a single day. According to AFP, at least 21 people have been hanged in a prison in southern Iraq, mainly for terrorism-related offences. “More than 8,000 prisoners are currently on death row in Iraq”, explained the spokesman in a statement. He reiterated the EU’s firm opposition to capital punishment in all circumstances and at all times. “The European Union calls on Iraq to introduce a moratorium on the use of the death penalty as a first step towards its eventual abolishment“, added the spokesman. (CG)