Iran: Three public hangings in Babol

Tehran, 27 Sept. (AKI) - In the latest public execution in Iran, three men accused of sexual violence have been hanged in Babol in the north of the country.

The three were accused of sexual violence against 12 young girls.

Public hangings are becoming almost a daily occurrence in Iran and during July alone 30 executions were carried out.

After China the Islamic Republic conducts the greatest number of executions in the world.

Iran has executed at least 210 people this year compared to 215 executions in 2006.

Italian prime minister Romano Prodi this week called on the United Nations to back a worldwide campaign to end the death penalty.