Iran minister says 'no need' to finish off convict who survived his hanging

TEHRAN, Iran – An Iranian news agency says the justice minister has concluded there is "no need" to finish off a convict who survived his hanging.

A Tuesday report by the semi-official ISNA quoted Mostafa Pourmohammadi as saying there is "no need for re-execution" of the 37-year-old convicted of smuggling drugs who only was identified by his first name, Alireza.

Earlier this month, morgue technicians discovered that Alireza was alive a day after he was hanged in the city of Bojnourd, according to the media.

His case prompted debate, with some legal experts arguing he should be hanged again.

Last week Amnesty international urged Iran to spare Alireza, still in serious condition.

Drug smuggling is one of a number of crimes that can be punished by capital punishment in Iran.