Iraq executes 17 men convicted of “terrorism”

Iraqi Justice Minister Hassan Al Shammari Iraq has executed 17 convicted criminals of \"terrorism\", the Iraqi Ministry of Justice stated on Wednesday, while the foreign ministry denied a news report that Iraqi authorities have issued execution orders against three Saudis.
Iraqi Justice Minister Hassan Al Shammari said in a statement that the Ministry of Justice executed convicted criminals of \"terrorism” on Wednesday morning according to the Iraqi anti-terrorism law.
Al Shammari explained that the sentences were approved by the Iraqi President.
Meanwhile, Iraq\'s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday denied a news report that Iraqi authorities issued execution orders against three Saudis close to the Saudi Kingdom\'s family, expressing regret for the anxiety the report caused among Saudi circles.
\"Some media sources presented a report about the Iraqi Judiciary authorities\' issuance of an execution order against three Saudis close to the Saudi Kingdom\'s family; in light of the report, communications took place with the related Iraqi authorities in order to clarify the report, whereby it was confirmed that it was incorrect,\" the Ministry said in a statement on its website.
The Iraqi Foreign Ministry described the reports as \"completely incorrect,\" and reiterated the necessity for \"not-taking such reports and information, issued by unofficial media sources, unless they depend on official Iraqi government sources.\"