Something dramatic has just happened, but there is considerable confusion as to what exactly is going on … the picture on the left is that that of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani with her son Sajjad at home. Why the confusion, well only a few days ago she was in Jail awaiting for her death sentence of stoning to be carried out. The UK’s Guardian reports …
Confusion surrounded the fate of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, the woman whose sentence of death by stoning for adultery triggered an international outcry, after photographs of her meeting her son at home were released by Iran‘s English channel television tonight.
OK, lets place this in context … here is the background …
Mohammadi Ashtiani was convicted in May 2006 of conducting an illicit relationship outside marriage. She endured a sentence of 99 lashes, but her case was re-opened when a court in Tabriz suspected her of murdering her husband. She was acquitted, but the adultery charge was reviewed and a death penalty handed down on the basis of “judge’s knowledge” – a loophole that allows for subjective judicial rulings where no conclusive evidence is present.
And also, lets give this a bit of context as well …
Iran …executed 388 people last year – more than any other country apart from China, according to Amnesty International
When she was locked up and faced death by stoning an international outcry arose against this barbaric treatment … and so here we are now … so, did you take part in the protest? because if you did, then take heart because it truly does appear to have made a difference.
The most immediate question … is she truly free forever, or is something else going on … given the antics of the Iranian regime, I’ll keep the champagne on ice for now and wait until we truly know.
You can read the Guardian article here.
UPDATE: She is NOT free …