Iran defends its human rights recordOctober 31, 2014 - 16:26 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Iran defended its human rights record on Friday, Oct 31, striking back at the West for its criticism about a woman hanged for murder in an alleged rape case, Reuters reported. Mohammad Javad Larijani, secretary general of Iran's High Council for Human Rights, was responding to calls from Western powers, including the United States, at a UN debate to allow freedoms of expression and religion, as well as their concerns at a rise in executions. Reyhaneh Jabbari was hanged last week in Tehran's Evin prison for the murder of man she said had tried to rape her. The dead man's relatives refused to grant a reprieve within the 10-day deadline set by sharia law in force since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. "We were not successful to solicit forgiveness from the hearts of victims. So the execution went on. Though we are very sorry that two nationals lost lives, but capital punishment or 'qisas' is a unique particularity of our system. I think it worth Western countries to look into it," Larijani said. "The idea that only good things in western community - the 'West and the rest' - this is a very destructive idea of human rights," he told the Geneva forum holding a regular review of Iran's record. Photo: Reuters Related issues: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. |