Previous to taking this seat, Iran routinely sentenced women found guilty of adultery to death by stoning. Since taking its seat at the table, however, Islamic experts have been investigating whether a prisoner convicted to death by stoning for adultery may be hanged instead.
The case focuses upon 44-year-old Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, whose husband was murdered in 2005. The mother of two was convicted of having an adulterous affair and, for that offense, was sentenced to death by stoning. Aashtiani was also convicted of being an accessory to her husband’s murder, receiving a 10-year sentence for that offense.
A prisoner on death row since 2006, Ashtiani's death sentence provoked an international outcry, with the Vatican and European Union calling for clemency. Then-Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva asked Iranian authorities to grant Ashtiani asylum, which they rejected.
According to a CNSNews report, international pressure has been exerted once again upon Iranian authorities. In late-December 2011, Malek Ajdar Sharif---the head of the justice department in East Azerbaijan province where Ashtiani is incarcerated---said: "As soon as the result is obtained, we will carry out the sentence."
The suspenion of Ashtiani's death sentence apparently continues, as Iran demonstrates its commitment to human rights, in general, and for women, in particular.
Let the discussion begin...
To read the CNSNews report, click on the following link:
http://cnsnews.com/news/article/after-protests-over-stoning-sentence-adultery-iran-may-hang-woman-instead
I do not believe any rational human being is going to look to the medieval mullahs for progress in gender equality. On the other hand, had she been in Texas, she might have been executed on the charge to accesory to murder (not adultery though).
ReplyDeleteAnd the difference in this case between the Little Dumber Boy and Sharif is...?
The analogy is not cute, not funny, not whimsical or witty.
ReplyDeleteOk, take a shot at Texas, take a shot at the people, the State or, as usual, George Bush.
However, Texas or any state on its worst day is Nirvana compared to the backward mess that poses as a society in Iran.
While it may be true that capital punishment is not a deterrent to crime, it is a FACT that it reduces the number of repeat offenders...