Three people convicted of theft in Iran receive amputation of their hands

Iranian authorities have amputated the hands of three men convicted of theft, the country's judiciary has announced.

Such a sentence is rarely imposed, but is provided for in Iranian criminal law.

It generally applies to repeat offenses.

"The punishment of amputation of the hands of three professional thieves who committed multiple thefts was carried out in West Azerbaijan province," in northwestern Iran, the judiciary website Mizan Online reported.

According to the website, the convicts were arrested several years ago and have been the subject of dozens of complaints in several provinces.

Mizan Online specified that the verdict was carried out after the Supreme Court upheld the sentences and the convicts' refusal to return the stolen items, mostly gold jewelry.

Human rights NGOs have condemned the use of amputation in Iran in recent years.