Miliband ‘appalled’ by Iran hangings

AFP: Foreign Secretary David Miliband said he was "appalled" by the reported hanging of two men in Iran convicted of being Mohareb (enemies of God), the first executions of dissidents since post-election protests. LONDON (AFP) — Foreign Secretary David Miliband said he was "appalled" by the reported hanging of two men in Iran convicted of being Mohareb (enemies of God), the first executions of dissidents since post-election protests.

"I am appalled by reports that Mohammad Reza Ali Zamani and Arash Rahmani Pour were hanged this morning in Iran," said Miliband.

"The trials and now these subsequent executions undermine Iran's claimed commitment to justice, human rights and democratic values."

Their executions were the first reported hangings of people tried after the wave of protests that broke out following the disputed June 12 re-election of hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Miliband praised the determination of protesters, saying they showed "the strength of desire for democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms amongst ordinary Iranians."

"These latest executions appear to be politically motivated and yet another attempt by the regime to silence dissent," he said.

"I call on the Iranian Government to meet the human rights obligations to which it is committed."

As well as convictions for being enemies of God, the pair were also charged with plotting to topple the Islamic regime, ISNA news agency said, quoting the Tehran prosecutor's office.