TEHRAN, Iran, Aug 13, 2017 – Iranian regime parliament has voted to reduce the death penalty for certain drug violations.
According to the semi-official ISNA news agency a majority of lawmakers voted Sunday to amend the law so that only major drug dealers, armed dealers and those convicted of smuggling more than 50 kilograms (110 pounds) of opium or two kilograms of heroin would face the death penalty. Lesser violations would be punishable by up to 30 years in prison.
Under current penal law for drug related offenders, more than 5000 prisoners are to be hanged.
The law previously prescribed the death penalty for smuggling 20 kilograms of opium or 30 grams of heroin.
Iran is among the world’s leading executioners, and has faced criticism from rights groups.
Extracted from AP report,
