Iran: International Protest against Stoning

Sakineh Ashtyanieh Mohammadi

Those condemned to be stoned in Iran now have a face in international media, Sakineh Mohammadi Ashitiani, a 43-year-old mother of two, who was recently sentenced to death by stoning for adultery.

She was found guilty by the court of having sexual relations with two men who murdered her husband.

Her lawyer Mohmmad Mostafai says the international outcry over the death sentence might be enough to save her from execution. Mostafai recently fled Iran and is now based in Norway, where he has publicized the case online and in international media.

Unfortunately Sakineh's case is not unique in Iran. According to French newspaper, Le Figaro, there are presently three men and women condemned to be stoned in Iranian jails.

The International Committee Against Stoning has published a long list of people who were stoned in Iran in the last 30 years.

International Protest: From Australia to Georgia

Citizens of several cities in the world protested against the stoning sentence in Iran at the beginning of August. In recent weeks different organizations launched demonstrations around the world to protest against Sakineh's death sentence.

Women in Georgia organized several demonstrations to display their anger and disgust and to support Sakineh.

Against stoning around the world in photos

Iranian blogger Talelesiyasat writes [fa]:

When outside Iran speaking of Islam as a religion of love and kindness, foreigners immediately remind me about the stoning and lashing sentences and it makes me shameful. I want to say very clearly that we can not speak about Islamic and humanistic values and sentence people to be stoned… It is by the same double standards of [the State] to order public executions within the country and create propaganda outside Iran about their kindness…

Sahargahan who published the photo above, has chosen “Stoning or holy crime” as the title of his post. The blogger, who is against all kinds of executions, says stoning is the worst.

Stoning is the most shameful crime that a human being from the dawn of existence has committed.

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