Amnesty International welcomes an Iranian official’s statement that Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani's sentence of
stoning to death has been temporarily suspended but urged the
authorities to overturn the death sentence against her entirely.
Amnesty International Middle East and North Africa Deputy Director Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui said: "This news does not go far enough.
"We hope this is not merely a cynical move by the authorities to
deflect international criticism, as this temporary suspension by the
Head of the Judiciary could be lifted at any time, leaving Sakineh
Mohammadi Ashtiani at risk of execution, particularly if the current
judicial review of her case results in a confirmation of her sentence.
deflect international criticism, as this temporary suspension by the
Head of the Judiciary could be lifted at any time, leaving Sakineh
Mohammadi Ashtiani at risk of execution, particularly if the current
judicial review of her case results in a confirmation of her sentence.
“The Iranian authorities must immediately take the necessary steps
to ensure that her death sentence is overturned once and for all."
to ensure that her death sentence is overturned once and for all."
Earlier today Iranian state-run Press TV reported that Ramin
Mehmanparast, a Foreign Ministry spokesman, had said that Ashtiani's
execution for adultery had been "stopped". He also reiterated that her
case was being reviewed, but said that "her sentencing for complicity in
murder is in process".
Source: Amnesty International website
Mehmanparast, a Foreign Ministry spokesman, had said that Ashtiani's
execution for adultery had been "stopped". He also reiterated that her
case was being reviewed, but said that "her sentencing for complicity in
murder is in process".
Source: Amnesty International website
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