IRAN CONFIRMS DEATH SENTENCE FOR KURDISH TEACHER

Iran confirmed the death sentence of a Kurdish teacher for membership in a "terrorist" group and possession of explosives, the judiciary spokesman confirmed. "Farzad Kamangar is accused of membership in a terrorist group and possession and carrying explosives. He was found guilty of 'Moharebeh' (being an enemy of god) and sentenced to death," Ali Reza Jamshidi told reporters. "The defendant have lodged an appeal and the case is being reviewed at the Supreme Court," he said. New York-based rights watchdog Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in February that Kamangar had been sentenced to death for links with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). HRW called for the death sentence to be revoked and also alleged that Kamangar was tortured and subjected to an unfair trial. The announcement was the first time Iran has confirmed the death sentence.