TEHRAN, April 19 (UPI) -- The reversal of convictions against six Iranian militia members who killed because of perceived moral corruption reportedly is sparking anger and controversy.
The decision by the Iranian Supreme Court, made public this week, wiped out the verdicts handed down in Kerman in central Iran five years ago in the deaths of five people who were considered "morally corrupt" by their killers.
Among the victims were a young engaged couple who the milita claimed were walking together in public, the New York Times said.
Two courts upheld the convictions before the cases came before the high court. An attorney on the case said the reversals had caused many to "lose confidence in the judicial system."
The accused were members of the Basiji Force, volunteer vigilantes favored by the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
The ruling may still not be final, however, because the lower court in Kerman can appeal to the full 50-judge supreme court.
