Since 2005, use of the death penalty in Iraq has surged

The use of the death penalty in Iraq has surged in recent years, according to a UN report released today.

Capital punishment was reintroduced in 2004 and the country began to use it from 2005. Since then, Iraq has executed 675 people, including 17 women and former leader Saddam Hussein.

Executions in Iraq are carried by out hanging. In 2008, the year before the general election, there were zero executions, but since 2009 the number of executions has accelerated.

At least 60 people have been executed so far this year and 1,724 prisoners are on death row.

The UN report also alleges human rights violations and miscarriages of justice.

Investigations and trials have not stuck to due process or fair trial standards and judges have ignored claims of torture being used to produce confessions.

The UN, which says the number of executions being carried out are "deeply troubling", is calling for a total moratorium on death sentences.

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