Arrested in 2024 for allegedly stealing several kilos of gold and jewellery, three men had their hands amputated in the north-west of Iran, local media reported on Friday.

This is amid global and local outcry against amputation and other inhumane treatment meted out to convicts.

Citing the judicial justification in the city of Urmia, media reports said that the men refused to cooperate with the judiciary to return several kilos of gold and jewellery they were said to have stolen.

The forced amputation of hands for repeat offenders is enshrined in the Islamic penal code and is intended to induce remorse in the perpetrators and prevent further offences.

Typically, the amputation is carried out by forensic doctors.

Internationally, and also within Iran itself draconian punishments such as amputation or stoning are strongly condemned and classified as inhumane. (dpa/NAN)