Iraq: Statement by the Spokesperson on the executions

The European Union expresses its deep concern over the recent increased application of capital punishment sentences in Iraq, including cases of several executions in one single day. Over 8 000 prisoners are reportedly on the death row in Iraq as of today.

The European Union strongly opposes the capital punishment at all times and in all circumstances. It is a cruel and inhumane ultimate punishment, which is incompatible with the inalienable right to life, fails to act as a deterrent to crime, and represents an unacceptable denial of human dignity and integrity. It also makes miscarriages of justice irreversible.

The European Union calls on Iraq to introduce a moratorium on the use of death penalty as a first step towards its eventual abolishment. The EU will continue to work for the abolition of the death penalty in the few remaining countries that still apply it.