Iraq Executes 12 On Terror Charges

Iraq has hanged 12 prisoners convicted of terrorism-related charges.

Western news agencies quote Justice Ministry officials as saying the 12 were executed on November 17.

The officials did not provide further details about the men or their offenses.

Iraq has so far executed at least 144 people this year, compared to 129 in 2012.

Executions in Iraq have increased this year despite international criticism from the European Union, the United Nations, and human rights groups.

The growing use of the death penalty comes with violence in Iraq reaching a level not seen since 2008.