Iraq executed 13 insurgents on Thursday after they confessed to taking part in "crimes against Iraqis" in northern Iraq, state television was quoted by Reuters. Iraqiya TV said one of them had confessed to being hired by foreign groups. Iraq executed three men in September after a court in the Shi'ite city of Kut convicted them of killing three policemen, as well as other big crimes. "They have confessed they are responsible for many crimes which frightened the citizens in Nineveh," the television said, quoting a cabinet statement. The government argues capital punishment will help deter criminals. Human rights groups and the United Nations had hoped Iraq would refrain from using the death penalty and had urged the government not to carry out any death sentences. --SP 22 53 Local Time 19 53 GMT
