Iran “reviews” stoning sentence in Ashtiani case

September 8th, 2010 - 9:11 pm ICT by BNO News  

TEHRAN, IRAN (BNO NEWS) — An Iranian woman’s death sentence, who was convicted of adultery and murder, has been suspended, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast told local media on Wednesday.

“The sentencing of Ms. Ashtiani for adultery has been stopped and [her case] is being reviewed again, and her sentencing for complicity in murder is in process,” Mehmanparast told the state-run Press TV.

In midst of international criticism, Mehmanparast stated that if releasing a culprit found guilty of murder becomes a matter of human rights, European countries could release all imprisoned murderers.

Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, 43, in 2006 was sentenced to 99 lashes as she was accused of being involved with two different men after her husband had died a year before. After a conviction of adultery, Ashtiani was then sentenced to be stoned, but when this was put on hold, she was later accused of participating in the murder of her husband.

“[The international media] has tried to exploit this case, politicize it and turn it into a political charade,” Mehmanparast added. “Our country has been under a lot of political pressure by the U.S. and other Western countries over its nuclear work,” he continued, saying that Ashtiani’s case is being used to pressure Iran on other matters.

Related Stories

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Posted in World |

Subscribe