[Deathpenalty] death penalty news-----worldwide

[Rick Halperin]

July 2


PAKISTAN:

Cabinet approves conversion of death penalty into life term


The federal Cabinet has approved the conversion of death penalty into life
term imprisonment.

The federal Cabinet held its meeting in Governor House Sindh, chaired by
PM, in which the advisor to PM on interior Rehman Malik briefed the
Cabinet about ongoing Khyber Agency operation.

Briefing the journalists after the meeting, federal minister for
information and Broadcasting Sherry Rehman said that the Cabinet had
approved conversion of death penalty awarded to 7000 prisoners into life
term of imprisonment.

However, replying to a question about the possible impact of the decision
over the death penalty of Indian spy and saboteur Sarbajeet Singh, The
information minister clarified that cases of spying would entail special
status.

She also informed that the ongoing operation in Khyber agency would be
carried out till its logical conclusion, while ensuring maximum security
and safety for innocent citizens.

The Cabinet has also abolished IRO, to be replaced by a new act, and it
has been announced that Mian Nawaz Sharif and all coalition partners had
been taken into confidence regarding Khyber Agency operations.

(source: Online News)






IRAN:

Iran considering death penalty for web-related crimes


A law that could see the death penalty imposed for cyber crimes is set to
be debated in Iran's parliament, reports said on Wednesday.

Under the draft bill, those found guilty of promoting corruption,
prostitution and apostasy on the internet may face the death penalty. The
bill aims to "toughen punishment for harming mental security in society,"
Irans ISNA news agency said.

ISNA said MPs placed the bill as a high priority discussion on the agenda.

Setting up weblogs and sites which promote any of the crimes listed in the
bill are punishable by death.

According to the bill, those convicted of these crimes "should be punished
as 'mohareb' (enemy of God) and 'corrupt on the earth'."

Iran imposes strict restrictions on internet access, blocking thousands of
sites which may carry content deemed immoral or religiously and
politically inappropriate.

(source: Gulf News)