Sunday, July 15, 2007
Amnesty International : Save Iranian woman from execution by stoning
Amnesty InternationalSave Iranian woman from execution by stoning
Amnesty International is making an urgent appeal to prevent the stoning to death of Mokarrameh Ebrahimi, an Iranian woman, following the stoning execution of her co-accused.Jafar Kiana was stoned to death in the village of Aghche-kand, near the town of Takestan, Qazvin province, on Thursday 5 July. There are grave concerns that his partner, Mokarrameh Ebrahimi, will suffer the same fate unless Iran's Head of the Judiciary intervenes immediately.Jafar Kiana and Mokarrameh Ebrahimi were due to be stoned to death on 21 June, but the execution was suspended after a wave of domestic and international pressure on the Iranian government. This included campaigning by the Iran-based Stop Stoning Forever campaign and Amnesty International. The couple had spent more than 11 years in prison for having an adulterous relationship. They have two children, who live with their mother in prison.The couple remained under sentence of execution by stoning, but it was believed the risk was not imminent. However, Jafar Kiana's execution has triggered fears that Mokarrameh Ebrahimi's life is in imminent danger.Under Iranian law, execution by stoning is a punishment for adultery by married men and women. The stones used are specifically designed to increase the victim's suffering. It has been reported that only a few members of the public participated in Jafar Kiana's stoning, which was carried out mostly by local governmental and judiciary officials. Amnesty International is outraged at this cruel, inhuman punishment - and urges the Head of the Judiciary, Ayatollah Shahroudi, to intervene immediately to prevent the planned stoning of Mokarrameh Ebrahimi.
Take action!Iran: Woman at risk of stoning (http://www.amnesty.org.uk/actions_details.asp?ActionID=294) (AIUK web action)
For further information, please see:
The Stop Stoning Forever campaign (http://www.meydaan.org/stoning/) (External site)
Amnesty International outraged at reported stoning to death and fears for victim's co-accused (http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGMDE130832007) (Public Statement, 9 July 2007)
Iran: Death penalty/ stoning: Mokarrameh Ebrahimi (http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGMDE130842007) (Urgent Action, 9 July 2007 )
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