Iran stoning sentence suspension not enough
The suspension of the stoning to death of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani does not go far enough. The death sentence against her should be completely overturned.
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.
"This simply does not go far enough," said Colm O’Gorman, Executive Director of Amnesty International Ireland.
"We hope this is not just a cynical move by the authorities to deflect international criticism. This is a temporary suspension. It could be lifted at any time by the Head of the Judiciary, leaving Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani at risk of execution.
Overturn sentence
“The Iranian authorities must act immediately to ensure that her death sentence is overturned once and for all."
On Wednesday 8 September, Iranian state-run Press TV reported that Ramin Mehmanparast, a Foreign Ministry spokesman, had said that Sakineh Mohammadi 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".
"People in Ireland, and around the world, have been putting pressure on the Iranian government to act," said Colm O'Gorman.
"They are clearly having an effect, but we need to ensure the focus on Sakineh's case continues. The Iranian authorities may be gambling that they can proceed with this sentence if international attention dies away. We cannot let that happen."
Fresh charges
Amnesty International is also concerned that the Iranian authorities may be preparing to bring what appear to be fresh charges against her in relation to the death of her husband, Ebrahim Qaderzadeh. This is despite her state-appointed lawyer having told the organisation earlier that she had been acquitted of the murder.
Amnesty International has been unable to obtain any court documents relating to the investigation of his death.
"In August 2010, Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani was forced to confess under duress on TV to adultery and involvement in her husband's death," said Colm O’Gorman.
"If the judicial authorities now charge and sentence her on this basis, yet another layer of injustice would be added to the travesty of her case."
