EU voices concern over increase of executions in Iran

The European Union Tuesday said it is "appalled" by the execution of Iranian woman Reyhane Jabbari and expressed its most heartfelt condolences to her family, especially her mother.
"The European Union deeply regrets that the Iranian judicial system did not allow a retrial of the case, in spite of doubts over the fairness of the trial and Ms Jabbari's constant claims that she was merely defending herself against a sexual assault," said EU High Representative Catherine Ashton in a declaration on behalf of the 28-member Union.
"The European Union expresses its deep concern regarding the increasing number of executions in Iran and reiterates its strong opposition to the death penalty," she said.
"The European Union calls on the Iranian authorities to stay all pending executions and consider establishing a moratorium on the use of death penalty," added the outgoing EU High Representative.