Iraq executed three convicted murderers today in what were the first death-penalty killings since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003.
Iraq's presidency had signed the death sentences for the three men found guilty by a criminal court in Wasit province in southeastern Iraq of murder, kidnapping and rape.
Many Western governments and rights groups had hoped the death penalty would be outlawed in Iraq after the rule of the Ba'ath party, accused of killing hundreds of thousands of people.
"This is not an easy thing to do," a government spokesman said. "Despite all the condemnation from states who want us to abolish capital punishment, I think capital punishment will help us deter some criminals."
President Jalal Talabani, who opposes capital punishment, did not sign the death sentences, but his deputy signed on his behalf.
Thousands of Iraqis have died in violence since the 2003 US-led invasion, with insurgents battling US troops and the US-backed government.
Ordinary crime has become rampant against a background of daily suicide bombs, kidnappings and assassinations.