BAGHDAD, Nov. 19 (UPI) -- Iraq has executed 12 more alleged terrorists, authorities said, amid international criticism of the country's frequent use of the death penalty.
The executions were carried out Sunday, MENA reported, and Iraq has now put 144 people to death this year, up from 129 in 2012.
"We executed 12 convicts," a senior justice ministry official, who spoke anonymously, told MENA. "All of them were Iraqi men accused of terrorism."
Details about the men and the crimes were not provided.
The European Union, the United Nations and human rights groups have criticized Iraq's executions and urged a moratorium on capital punishment.
Earlier this year, U.N. Human Rights head Navi Pillay said numerous executions were based on confessions obtained through torture.
The trials also do not meet appropriate standards, Pillay said.
Iraqi Justice Minister Hassan al-Shammari has said executions are only carried out after a long legal process.
