EU urges Iran to halt all executions

(BRUSSELS) - The European Union voiced concern Friday over the large number of executions in Iran and urged Tehran to refrain from executing "thousands" who could face the death penalty.

EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said hundreds of people were executed in 2011, "reportedly the highest in recent history, making Iran the world's leading user of the death penalty per inhabitant".

"I am deeply concerned at the number of executions in Iran in 2011," she said.

The executions were carried out, she added, "after grossly unfair trials, without the right of appeal and for offences which according to international standards should not result in capital punishment."

Thousands of people remain at risk of execution, including Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, and Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, whose 2006 stoning sentence for adultery brought international condemnation, the EU chief diplomat added.

"The EU reiterates its call on Iran not to execute them," Ashton said, renewing a call for Iran to introduce a moratorium on the death penalty.