The European Union expresses its regret over the latest execution of 13 individuals that took place on the same day in Iraq. The EU is also concerned by reports of up to 250 people being at risk of imminent execution in the country.

The EU reiterates, as a matter of principle, its strong opposition to the death penalty at all times and in all circumstances. It is a cruel and inhumane punishment, which represents the ultimate denial of the right to life and of human dignity. The death penalty fails to act as a deterrent to crime and makes miscarriages of justice irreversible.

The EU will continue to work for the abolition of the death penalty in the few remaining countries that still apply it.