Iran To Execute Accused Ahvaz Bombers

(RFE/RL) 28 February 2006 -- Iran says that two people will be executed in the coming days for their role in bombings last October in the southwestern city of Ahvaz.

The semi-official news agency Fars quotes Amir Hayat-Moqaddam, the governor of Khuzestan Province, as saying that the two will be executed in public.


Hayat-Moqaddam also said that 15 people have been arrested in the past three days in connection with bombings in Ahvaz on 24 January. He said those arrested are native Iranians who had been hired and trained by British security services.


Eight people were killed and dozens were wounded in the January blasts.


Britain denies the claims that it was behind the bombings.


(Fars)

Iran's Arab Minority

Iran's Arab Minority

The aftermath of a car bombing in Ahvaz on June 12, 2005 (epa)

DISCONTENT IN THE SOUTH: There are approximately 2.07 million ethnic Arabs in Iran (3 percent of the total population of 69 million), most of them living in the region around the southern city of Ahvaz. The region has been the scene of numerous terrorist attacks and demonstrations over the years. Arab groups cite historical grievances, and they bemoan inadequate attention to their culture and language by state media....(more)


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