Iran told Western nations today that executions in the Islamic republic are none of their business.
The United States on January 31 urged Iran to halt executions, with the U.S. State Department saying it was "particularly troubled" by the hanging of a Dutch-Iranian woman after she was denied consular access.
Zahra Bahrami, a 46-year-old Iranian-born naturalized Dutch citizen, was hanged on January 29 on charges of possessing and selling drugs.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast today said 80 percent of those hanged are drug smugglers.
He said, "If Iran does not combat drugs, Europe and the West will be hurt."
In reaction to Bahrami's execution, the Netherlands froze official ties with Iran.
The European Union has also condemned Bahrami's execution.
compiled from agency reports
The United States on January 31 urged Iran to halt executions, with the U.S. State Department saying it was "particularly troubled" by the hanging of a Dutch-Iranian woman after she was denied consular access.
Zahra Bahrami, a 46-year-old Iranian-born naturalized Dutch citizen, was hanged on January 29 on charges of possessing and selling drugs.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast today said 80 percent of those hanged are drug smugglers.
He said, "If Iran does not combat drugs, Europe and the West will be hurt."
In reaction to Bahrami's execution, the Netherlands froze official ties with Iran.
The European Union has also condemned Bahrami's execution.
compiled from agency reports