The United States has condemned Iran for handing out death sentences to six individuals who took part in last year's anti-government protests, dpa reported.
"We condemn the execution of political prisoners and we urge the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, and call on the Iranian government to respect the civil rights of its people," State Department spokesman PJ Crowley said Tuesday.
Tehran prosecutor Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi confirmed the death sentences, the state news agency Fars reported, but added the six cases still needed to go to the appellate court to be finalized.
The number of death penalties handed down to protestors involved in the demonstrations that followed June's presidential election is unclear. According to local reports, 10 protestors were on death row for taking part in the December unrest or attending other protests last year.
Those on death row have been convicted of plotting against the establishment and committing "moharebeh" - acting against God.
"If the Iranian government wants the respect of the international community, it must respect the rights of its people," Crowley said.