(Kabul, Afghanistan) -- Secretary of State Hillary Cliinton has spoken out on death sentences imposed by Iran.

Five people were sentenced to death in Iran earlier this week in connection with protests following the country's disputed presidential election.

Clinton called the sentences "very unfortunate and distressing" and vowed that the U.S. would continue to stand up for the rights of the people of Iran.

The June presidential election spurred mass demonstrations by thousands of Iranians who believed that the vote was rigged so that President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad could remain in power.

　

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