Iran executes 12 convicted criminals within a week

Four convicted murderers were executed by hanging in Iran on Saturday, state media reported - bringing to a dozen the total of capital punishments this week, dpa reported.

The four, also convicted of kidnapping and robbery, were hanged in a prison in the south-eastern city of Zahedan after their sentences were confirmed by the Supreme Court, state television network IRIB reported.

Eight drug-traffickers were hanged earlier this week in the central city of Qom. Mehr news agency reported.

Murder, rape, armed robbery and trafficking in more than 5 kilograms of drugs are among crimes punishable by death in Iran.