Sweden summons Iranian ambassador over execution of citizen

Sweden has summoned the ambassador of Iran to protest the execution of one of its citizens, the Swedish Foreign Ministry said on March 18.

In a statement, the ministry said it strongly condemned both the use of the death penalty and what it described as an unfair trial leading to the execution. It added that capital punishment is inhuman, cruel and irreversible, and that Sweden, in line with the European Union, opposes its use in all circumstances, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard confirmed earlier in the day that a Swedish national had been executed in Iran. 

Iranian judiciary outlet Mizan Online reported that the executed man, identified as Kouroush Keyvani, had been convicted of alleged spying for Israel. 

By Sabina Mammadli