Iran amputates hands of two thieves

Iran’s judiciary announced Tuesday that authorities carried out the amputation of two men’s hands after they were convicted of multiple thefts and other crimes in the central province of Isfahan, a punishment sanctioned under Iran’s penal code but rarely enforced.

According to Iranian Mizan Agency, the judiciary’s official news outlet, the sentences were carried out after being upheld by the Supreme Court. The identities of the two men were not disclosed.

"Asadollah Jafari, head of the judiciary in Isfahan province, stated that the punishment was enforced against two professional thieves convicted of several counts of theft, vandalism, and intentional bodily harm," Mizan reported.

Human rights organizations have repeatedly condemned Iran’s use of corporal punishments, including hand amputations, which typically involve the removal of four fingers from the right hand. Mizan did not specify whether this exact procedure was used in the recent cases.

Jafari emphasized that the case went through all legal procedures, including the prosecutor’s office, the primary court, and the appeals court, before the sentence was executed.

He added that the judiciary will continue to deal firmly with actions that threaten public safety.

Earlier this month, Iran’s police chief Ahmad Reza Radan said that a “firm and legal response to thugs and thieves, including bag snatchers and mobile phone robbers, remains a priority.”