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Iraq executes 21 convicted terrorists

BAGHDAD, April 18 (UPI) -- The Iraqi government executed 21 men convicted on terrorism charges, bringing the country's number of executions for the year to 50, officials said.

The executions took place Tuesday, a senior justice ministry official said.

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"Twenty-one Iraqis were executed today, according to Article Four of the Anti-Terrorism Law," the official said.

The United Nations and Britain showed concern for Iraq's use of capital punishment and there were widespread calls from across the globe for a moratorium on the practice, Middle East Online reported.

The United Nations issued a report earlier this month saying while the use of the death penalty worldwide decreased last year, Iraq remained a black spot with 129 executions in 2012, the news agency said.

Justice Minister Hassan al-Shammari said last month Iraq would continue to implement capital punishment.

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