UN criticizes Iran for executing youth offenders

From IHT

GENEVA: The United Nations criticized Iran on Tuesday for executing juvenile offenders for crimes committed when they were as young as 15. It was the first public denunciation by the U.N.’s human rights department since Navi Pillay, the new high commissioner for human rights, took office.

Her spokesman said the global body is "very concerned and saddened at reports from the Islamic Republic of Iran concerning the recent execution of two juvenile offenders."

Pillay, a South African jurist, took over the job on Monday and pledged to "fearlessly focus on protecting the victims around the world," noting the task "does involve speaking out against the violators."