BAGHDAD -- Iraq’s use of the death penalty has increased despite international condemnation, with some fearing execution rates could rise further as officials seek to appear tough on security ahead of elections.

At least 169 people were put to death in 2013, by far the country’s highest such figure since the 2003 United States-led invasion, and one that puts it third in the world, behind just China and Iran.

Iraqi officials insist capital punishment is both sanctioned by Islam and an effective way to curb violence, despite the fact that this year’s executions have had no visible effect on the worst protracted surge in bloodshed since 2008.

Diplomats and human rights groups calling for a moratorium meanwhile point to major problems with Iraq’s security forces and within the criminal justice system.

“What is more disturbing than the fact of the use of the death penalty itself ... is the fact that the utter dysfunction of the criminal justice system means that there is a very high likelihood that the people who are being executed are innocent,” said Erin Evers, Iraq researcher for New York-based Human Rights Watch.

“Not just trials, but the entire security system from the moment of arrest right through the trials. It’s both inadequacy of investigations, in terms of lack of professionalism, lack of collection of evidence, to corruption within the security apparatus, and between the security officers and the judiciary.”

Those sentenced to death are usually hanged, often in groups.

Seven people were put to death in December, bringing the overall number for 2013 to 169.

Source: The Nation, December 31, 2013