[JURIST] The Iranian Judiciary [official website] confirmed Tuesday that Iranian Kurdish journalists Adnan Hassanpour and Abdolvahed "Hiva" Botimar [RSF profiles] have been sentenced to death for being "enemies of God." Rights groups, including Reporters Without Borders (RSF) [advocacy website] had earlier reported the death sentences [press release] after initial reports emerged that the two journalists had been sentenced on July 16. RSF said that Hannsanpour worked for the now-banned Asou magazine, while Botimar was a contributor to the publication. Hassanpour was convicted of "activities subverting national security" and "spying" during a closed trial, according to RSF.

Asou was banned in August 2005 by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance [official website] after criticizing the government. AFP has more.