No Execution On Ramadan Month
The execution of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani – the Iranian woman condemned to death by stoning for adultery – has been delayed by an Iranian court, according to media reports. The court announced that Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani will not be stoned during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. However, a final verdict on Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani’s appeal is expected on August 21.
The Televised Confession
In a televised interview last week, Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani was apparently coerced to make a confession and denounce her lawyer – Mohammad Mostafaei who is on exile in Norway – on state-owned TV. Human rights groups say that such televised “confessions” are commonly used by the Iranian authorities as a tool to implicate those in detention. These “confessions” were often retracted later by those who made it on grounds of threat and torture by the authorities.
“Trouble” to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula
Meanwhile, the Iranian government has rejected the Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula’s proposal to offer Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani asylum. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said in an interview that there was no need to “trouble” Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula on such matters. He said, “We are keen to export our technology to Brazil rather than such people.”
Think About It
Was Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani really coerced to make a confession on state-run TV? Will Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani be eventually freed on August 21, a day which is in the month of Ramadan? If her appeal is rejected, what does that say about the Muslim government and justice system in Iran?
Previous posts
Iranian Lawyer Mohammad Mostafaei Speaks Out
Brazil Offers Lifeline To Iranian Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani
Iran – Adulteress Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani Escapes Stoning Death
Iranian Woman Facing Death By Stoning
Unfortunately, even though she may not be stoned, she is still scheduled for execution. I hope that sufficient international exposure concerning her case will compel the Iranian government to release her.