The prosecutor’s office in Tehran has requested the punishment of “hand amputation” for eight thieves in a joint case, with an indictment that has been referred to the court for sentencing. This comes amid sharp condemnation from human rights organizations in a recent statement, criticizing the resurgence of hand amputation sentences by the Iranian regime’s judiciary.
According to the state-run Hamshahri Online newspaper, the eight individuals, for whom hand amputation under the regime’s so-called Islamic law (“Had”) has been requested, are accused of forming a theft gang. In the summer of 2021, they allegedly broke into a house in northern Tehran and stole property worth 50 billion rials (approximately 80,000 dollars).
After their arrest with the help of CCTV footage, the special theft prosecutor issued a request for “hand amputation” as a punishment, and their trial will be held soon.
Previously, the Tehran Criminal Court had issued a sentence of finger amputation for two main suspects in another theft case.
The punishment of hand amputation is one of the penalties that has faced widespread criticism from international organizations due to its contradiction with human dignity.
Under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the imposition of inhuman and degrading punishments is prohibited. Nevertheless, Iran’s regime continues to implement such sentences, disregarding both domestic and international objections.
