The Iranian authorities proceeded to amputation of two men who had been convicted of many thefts and other crimes in Isfahan province in central Iran.

Amputations are rare, but not unprecedented in Iran, where the Islamic Criminal Code (Sharia) allows for corporal punishments for specific crimes.

The verdicts against the two men were implemented after the Supreme Court confirmed the penalties, according to the Iranian Mizan Online agency, which is affiliated with the country’s judicial authorities.

Non -governmental human rights organizations have repeatedly condemned the penalties of amputation, which include cutting four fingers of the right hand.

Mizan did not clarify if the two men were amputated in this way.

“The penalty of hand amputation for the two professional thieves – who were convicted of many cases, thefts and crimes such as that of vandalism and intended body harm, was executed,” Mizan said, citing Assadolah Jafari.

“The case followed all the legal proceedings through the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Court of First Instance and the Court of Appeal,” Jafari said.

He said that justice would continue to maintain a strong stance on actions that threaten public security.

Earlier this month, Iranian police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said the “vigorous and legal response to thieves and thieves, including stealing bags and cell phones, remains a priority” to the authorities.