By Eric C. Sigmund
Impunity Watch Reporter, Middle East
TEHRAN, Iran – Despite the best efforts of the international community to stop the execution of Sakineh Mohammedi Ashtiani, an Iranian woman sentenced to death for committing adultery, it now appears that her execution is imminent. If the government moves forward with its plan to execute Ashtiani, she will be stoned to death. To make matters worse, both Ashtiani’s son and lawyer have been detained by the government since October 10. Now Amnesty International is renewing its call to stay the execution but fears that these additional detentions may make it impossible to defend Ashtiani.
Nations throughout the world have joined together to condemn Ashtiani’s sentence, calling death by stoning “barbaric” and “inhumane.” Facing intense international pressure, the government of Iran temporarily suspended the stoning punishment in favor of execution by hanging but has since reaffirmed the original verdict. Government officials however, contend that the leadership has not yet made a final decision on the matter. Despite its rhetoric, Tehran’s position is quite clear. Responding to criticism, Mr. Ramin Mehmanparast, a Foreign Ministry representative stated “[t]they (the West) have been so shameless that they have turned the case of Ms. Ashtiani, who as committed crime and treason, into a human rights case against our nation.”
Although reports have confirmed that she has not yet been executed, the International Committee against Stoning (ICAS) warned that Ms. Ashtiani’s execution might take place as early as today. Ms. Ashtiani has already faced punishment by suffering 99 lashes in front of her son. Despite this abuse, officials indicate that she is currently in good health.
Even if she escapes her stoning punishment, Ashtiani still faces further criminal penalties for her alleged involvement in the murder of her husband. Under Sharia law, if found guilty, Ashtiani would face death by hanging. Although her lawyer Houton Kian calls the charges ”bogus,” he will be unable to challenge these accusations if the government continues his detention. Despite these difficulties, the ICAS expressed its commitment to freeing Ashtiani, her son and her lawyer and has been able to raise significant contributions for their defense. Although the Iranian leadership may step back from its staunch support of stoning punishments it will likely seek to execute Ashtiani by other means.
For more information, please see:
The Australian – Iran Lashes Out at West Over Ashtiani Stoning Outrage – 4. Nov. 2010
The Washington Post – Amnesty Urges Iran to Free Stoning Case Detainees – 4 Nov. 2010
Sify News – Iran Says ‘no final Decision Taken on Stoning to Death’ Woman’s Execution – 4 Nov. 2010
New York Daily News – Iranian Woman Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani charged with Adultery, Murder, and Will Likely Die by Hanging – 3. Nov. 2010
