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Post by Rev. Agave on Jul 7, 2010 9:47:13 GMT -6
www.aolnews.com/world/article/iranian-family-campaigns-to-save-mother-sakineh-mohammadi-ashtiani-from-stoning/19543401(July 6) -- The fate of an Iranian mother of two sentenced to be stoned to death at any time hung in the balance today as a last-minute campaign to save her gathered strength and her lawyer said even he did not know what the outcome will be.
Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, 43, who was convicted of adultery in 2006, is "very frightened and very sad" as she sits in a prison cell in Tabriz and worries about the two children she has not seen in four years, said her lawyer. Her son and daughter started the crusade to save her.
"Sakineh is supposed to be stoned to death, and I still think it could happen at any time," her lawyer, Mohammed Mostafaei, told AOL News in a telephone interview from Iran Tuesday.
"She feels helpless and hopeless," he said. "She says she is not guilty, but the government says she is guilty. The conviction is a sham. I would like to think that the news of this case will help her, but I can't be sure."
Mina Ahadi, head of the International Committee Against Stoning and the Death Penalty, told AOL News today that the Iranian government may meet Saturday to decide Ashtiani's fate.
Ahadi, an Iranian human rights activist who fled Iran for Germany in the 1980s, began helping Ashtiani's children, Sajad, 22, and Farideh, 17, spearhead a campaign to raise public awareness about their mother.
"I spoke to her son today, and he has a little bit of hope," Ahadi said. "Sometimes these death sentences are overturned because of public pressure."
Though Iran supposedly enacted a moratorium on stoning in 2002, the practice has continued, according to Iranian human rights activists and Amnesty International. About 40 stonings were reported in Iran between the 1979 Islamic Revolution and 1997. Since 2002, men and women alike have been stoned despite the moratorium, but reliable statistics are difficult to come by, according to Ahadi.
Under Sharia law in Iran, a woman's death by stoning involves being buried up to the neck and having stones hurled at her head. The law even specifies the size of the stones: not so big that the victim dies quickly, but not so small that death takes an inordinately long time.
Sakineh received a sentence of 99 lashes after her conviction for adultery in 2006. Her lawyer said she was forced to confess to the adultery charge and has since retracted the confession. A further complication is that Sakineh speaks Turkish and does not understand Farsi.
Her son, then 17, witnessed her flogging.
"They lashed her just in front of my eyes," Sajad told the London Guardian. "This has been carved in my mind since then."
The case against Sakineh was reopened when Tabriz officials decided she might have murdered her husband. She was ultimately acquitted of murder, but a judge then reviewed the adultery case against her and sentenced her to death. In doing so, the judge used a legal loophole called "judicial knowledge," which permits judges to make decisions based on their personal feelings, regardless of actual evidence.
"Imagine what's she's going through right now," said Maryam Namazie, an Iranian human rights activist based in Britain who works with Iran Solidarity, among other organizations. "Knowing she'll never see her children again. Facing the torture of being stoned. Being flogged 99 times is bad enough."
Namazie told AOL News today that the only thing that will help Ashtiani is if people contact their lawmakers and sign online petitions for Ashtiani.
"People should make some noise," Namazie said. "Bring stones out to public places and make a pile of them with Sakineh's name on it. Call your government officials, Do something."
Namazie told AOL News that many other women are stoned in Iran, but the government carries out the executions in secret.
"It's only when families are brave enough like Sakineh's family to come out and fight for their loved ones that the world finds out what is happening in Iran," Namazie said.
Movies like the 2008 film "The Stoning of Soraya M." have focused attention on stoning women in Iran and have embarrassed the Iranian government, Namazie said.
Amnesty International reports that 126 people have been executed as of June 6 this year in Iran and said another woman, Zeynab Jalalian, is in danger of being executed at any time for the crime of "enmity against God."
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Post by Big Al on Jul 7, 2010 12:07:46 GMT -6
I am guessing the title was supposed to end with "house wife" and there just wasn't enough room.
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Post by moonlight on Jul 7, 2010 13:18:03 GMT -6
Well, this one I find it quite disturbing. Even is she has commited adultery (she claimes she didn't) this is quite unacceptible by our norms of justice and law enforcement. In Iran they also executed on the gallows the leaders of the protesters who rioted against last election results. Anyway, Iran is really not a model country for civilized society.
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Post by spinaltap on Jul 7, 2010 14:06:57 GMT -6
Yea, I have a problem with this too
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Post by Rev. Agave on Jul 7, 2010 14:23:36 GMT -6
Well, she was initially accused of murder. I don't support executing folks for adultery, but maybe this woman is not as innocent as the folks at Amnesty International would have us believe. I don't have enough info to pass judgment in this case, but in theory I have no problem stoning murderers. As I understand it, the death sentence for adultery is a pretext for killing her for the murder of her husband.
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Post by socasack on Jul 7, 2010 15:19:44 GMT -6
DP advocates cannot pick and choose what we find acceptable. As a society, Iran has chosen the DP for adultry. Our moral compass says that's wrong. Their moral compass says we're wrong. The DP probably keeps adultry down to a minimum. May Allah have mercy on her soul.
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Post by Rev. Agave on Jul 7, 2010 15:50:19 GMT -6
DP advocates cannot pick and choose what we find acceptable. As a society, Iran has chosen the DP for adultry. Our moral compass says that's wrong. Their moral compass says we're wrong. The DP probably keeps adultry down to a minimum. May Allah have mercy on her soul. Indeed. But I suspect that the Anti activists are correct in that bringing media attention to this execution will ultimately cause the Iranians to fold. When it comes to the DP, the Chinese and the Americans don't care what the rest of the world thinks. But the Iranians do. When all is said and done, Ii doubt this bytch gets stoned.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2010 18:43:18 GMT -6
The west has a credibility problem. Not only we say don't stone adulterers, we don't believe it is a serious matter. We don't say adulterers should be punished in any sense at all. That is why they don't take us seriously.
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Post by Matt on Jul 7, 2010 19:29:38 GMT -6
The west has a credibility problem. Not only we say don't stone adulterers, we don't believe it is a serious matter. We don't say adulterers should be punished in any sense at all. That is why they don't take us seriously. That's probably true. In any case, I'm not sure international pressure matters very much to any country when it comes to their laws. Absent war, real change only comes from within a society, not because of anything Amnesty International says.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2010 19:33:56 GMT -6
yeah, adultresses should be stoned right alongside those nasty scummy poo packers. What's wrong with the west anyway?
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Post by Rev. Agave on Jul 7, 2010 19:41:15 GMT -6
The west has a credibility problem. Not only we say don't stone adulterers, we don't believe it is a serious matter. We don't say adulterers should be punished in any sense at all. That is why they don't take us seriously. Hell yeah!!! Let's stone those bytches to death!
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Post by Kay on Jul 7, 2010 21:09:42 GMT -6
The west has a credibility problem. Not only we say don't stone adulterers, we don't believe it is a serious matter. We don't say adulterers should be punished in any sense at all. That is why they don't take us seriously. What punishment would you assess to someone who commits adultery, Cyclone?
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Post by Grey on Jul 7, 2010 21:29:09 GMT -6
The west has a credibility problem. Not only we say don't stone adulterers, we don't believe it is a serious matter. We don't say adulterers should be punished in any sense at all. That is why they don't take us seriously. cheating on someone isn't a crime--its a moral issue rooted in various religious beliefs. We don't stone cheaters, we divorce or leave them. Anyway, one has to look at the bigger picture than just adultrey and the culture of Iran where womens rights are slim to none. Just the thought of one woman their being a cheater is enough to get her stoned to death--she may in fact have never cheated or she could have been raped and that is overlooked. FURTHER, you do not see men getting stoned for adultry, its just women.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2010 21:34:39 GMT -6
The west has a credibility problem. Not only we say don't stone adulterers, we don't believe it is a serious matter. We don't say adulterers should be punished in any sense at all. That is why they don't take us seriously. What punishment would you assess to someone who commits adultery, Cyclone? I think she should be surgically closed.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 7, 2010 21:38:52 GMT -6
The west has a credibility problem. Not only we say don't stone adulterers, we don't believe it is a serious matter. We don't say adulterers should be punished in any sense at all. That is why they don't take us seriously. cheating on someone isn't a crime--its a moral issue rooted in various religious beliefs. We don't stone cheaters, we divorce or leave them. Anyway, one has to look at the bigger picture than just adultrey and the culture of Iran where womens rights are slim to none. Just the thought of one woman their being a cheater is enough to get her stoned to death--she may in fact have never cheated or she could have been raped and that is overlooked. FURTHER, you do not see men getting stoned for adultry, its just women. The bible says it's a crime, damn it. Don't you know that if we stone women who commit or are accused of adultery, those danged females will stop their wanton ways. And, we should never stone those poor men who obviously were led astray by those lurid evil women. Sheesh. I thought everybody knew these things:
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Post by Big Al on Jul 7, 2010 23:48:07 GMT -6
yeah, adultresses should be stoned right alongside those nasty scummy poo packers. What's wrong with the west anyway? Poo Packers? ?? That's good Lynne.
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Post by Big Al on Jul 7, 2010 23:49:41 GMT -6
cheating on someone isn't a crime--its a moral issue rooted in various religious beliefs. We don't stone cheaters, we divorce or leave them. Anyway, one has to look at the bigger picture than just adultrey and the culture of Iran where womens rights are slim to none. Just the thought of one woman their being a cheater is enough to get her stoned to death--she may in fact have never cheated or she could have been raped and that is overlooked. FURTHER, you do not see men getting stoned for adultry, its just women. The bible says it's a crime, damn it. Don't you know that if we stone women who commit or are accused of adultery, those danged females will stop their wanton ways. And, we should never stone those poor men who obviously were led astray by those lurid evil women. Sheesh. I thought everybody knew these things: I totally 1000% agree with this post. Darn women. The downfall of civilization they are. I never realized just how smart you are Lynne. Kudos.
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Post by Big Al on Jul 7, 2010 23:51:04 GMT -6
The west has a credibility problem. Not only we say don't stone adulterers, we don't believe it is a serious matter. We don't say adulterers should be punished in any sense at all. That is why they don't take us seriously. What punishment would you assess to someone who commits adultery, Cyclone? Maybe have a big "A" sown on all their shirts. I don't think that execution is the answer to that problem. Nor the solution.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2010 0:28:26 GMT -6
yeah, adultresses should be stoned right alongside those nasty scummy poo packers. What's wrong with the west anyway? What are you complaining about? You have no right to tell them they are wrong. Remember you are an athiest. You have no right to tell them your personal values are better then there personal values. Besides the point I was saying is that they won't listen to the West, because they don't see the West as being of Good Character.
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Post by tru2slf on Jul 8, 2010 2:01:01 GMT -6
Everyone has a right to their own opinions and should be able to voice them and I respect that so please offer me the same courtesy when I'm speaking mine. Although I may or may not agree with certain lifesyles I would not lower myself to making such undignified comments and slurs I feel that some posters are making here, no matter how "cute" or "amusing" they're trying to be. Maybe I need to "lighten" up, but nothing about this situation is funny, at least not to me. Thanks.
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Post by honeyroastedpeanut on Jul 8, 2010 2:10:36 GMT -6
The bible says it's a crime, damn it. Don't you know that if we stone women who commit or are accused of adultery, those danged females will stop their wanton ways. And, we should never stone those poor men who obviously were led astray by those lurid evil women. Sheesh. I thought everybody knew these things: Who allowed you to talk, woman? Go give birth or something.
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Post by Kay on Jul 8, 2010 4:29:57 GMT -6
yeah, adultresses should be stoned right alongside those nasty scummy poo packers. What's wrong with the west anyway? What are you complaining about? You have no right to tell them they are wrong. Remember you are an athiest. You have no right to tell them your personal values are better then there personal values. Besides the point I was saying is that they won't listen to the West, because they don't see the West as being of Good Character. If being Christian involves narrow minded hypocrisy along with ignorance and bigotry, it's time for me to seriously consider renouncing my faith.
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Post by Kay on Jul 8, 2010 4:31:12 GMT -6
The west has a credibility problem. Not only we say don't stone adulterers, we don't believe it is a serious matter. We don't say adulterers should be punished in any sense at all. That is why they don't take us seriously. What punishment would you assess to someone who commits adultery, Cyclone? Why no answer to my question?
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Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2010 5:33:26 GMT -6
yeah, adultresses should be stoned right alongside those nasty scummy poo packers. What's wrong with the west anyway? What are you complaining about? You have no right to tell them they are wrong. Remember you are an athiest. You have no right to tell them your personal values are better then there personal values. Besides the point I was saying is that they won't listen to the West, because they don't see the West as being of Good Character. Says who? You cyclone. Lynne, I didn't realize you were a full fledged atheist. I haven't seen you at any of the secret atheist meetings. You're not a very serious one are you lynne? ;D
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Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2010 7:32:50 GMT -6
yeah, adultresses should be stoned right alongside those nasty scummy poo packers. What's wrong with the west anyway? What are you complaining about? You have no right to tell them they are wrong. Remember you are an athiest. You have no right to tell them your personal values are better then there personal values. Besides the point I was saying is that they won't listen to the West, because they don't see the West as being of Good Character. Cyclone, cyclone, cyclone. Like a good christian, I forgive you in the face of your flagrant misinterpretations of my past posts. Go now, and buy yourself a slave ~ one who can explain these things to you properly. Oh, and by the by, if you boink your slave it's not adultery, dear. Maybe get yourself some free of sin.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2010 7:36:41 GMT -6
What are you complaining about? You have no right to tell them they are wrong. Remember you are an athiest. You have no right to tell them your personal values are better then there personal values. Besides the point I was saying is that they won't listen to the West, because they don't see the West as being of Good Character. Says who? You cyclone. Lynne, I didn't realize you were a full fledged atheist. I haven't seen you at any of the secret atheist meetings. You're not a very serious one are you lynne? ;D Does it matter if I was out wreaking chaos and and promoting immorality?
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Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2010 7:38:07 GMT -6
What are you complaining about? You have no right to tell them they are wrong. Remember you are an athiest. You have no right to tell them your personal values are better then there personal values. Besides the point I was saying is that they won't listen to the West, because they don't see the West as being of Good Character. If being Christian involves narrow minded hypocrisy along with ignorance and bigotry, it's time for me to seriously consider renouncing my faith. ..................... Kay, come over to the dark side!!
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Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2010 7:45:26 GMT -6
Says who? You cyclone. Lynne, I didn't realize you were a full fledged atheist. I haven't seen you at any of the secret atheist meetings. You're not a very serious one are you lynne? ;D Does it matter if I was out wreaking chaos and and promoting immorality? Lynne, you know that in the 2nd book paragraph 7 it says that we can only go out wreaking chaos and promoting immorality Friday evening until Sunday afternoon. GEESH! Get thee to a secret atheist club immediately.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2010 7:45:30 GMT -6
Everyone has a right to their own opinions and should be able to voice them and I respect that so please offer me the same courtesy when I'm speaking mine. Although I may or may not agree with certain lifesyles I would not lower myself to making such undignified comments and slurs I feel that some posters are making here, no matter how "cute" or "amusing" they're trying to be. Maybe I need to "lighten" up, but nothing about this situation is funny, at least not to me. Thanks. I agree. The situation isn't funny. It's what ya do with it that counts.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2010 7:48:04 GMT -6
Does it matter if I was out wreaking chaos and and promoting immorality? Lynne, you know that in the 2nd book paragraph 7 it says that we can only go out wreaking chaos and promoting immorality Friday evening until Sunday afternoon. GEESH! Get thee to a secret atheist club immediately. There's a B-O-O-K Oh, thank Spaghetti Head! I was so drowning in my own pool of notknowinganything.
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