Iran's stoning death sentence under review
The decision to stone an Iranian woman to death has not been rescinded but is merely under review, according to Iranian officials.
Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani was first convicted in May 2006 of having an "illicit relationship" with two men following the death of her husband — for which a court in Tabriz, in northwestern Iran, sentenced her to 99 lashes.
The mother of two was later convicted of adultery, despite having retracted a confession that she claims was made under duress.
Last week, Iranian diplomats announced she would be given a reprieve. But the head of Iran's human rights body said Monday the sentence is merely under review.
Malek Ajdar Sharifi, a top justice official, said "Western media propaganda" will not stop the country from carrying out the sentence.
In Toronto, the image of a woman being pelted with fist-sized rocks has ramped up the campaign to save to save Ashtiani's life.
Indigo Books CEO Heather Reisman was moved to action. Just five days after Reisman started an online petition, it now has more than 70,000 names demanding that Ashtiani be set free.
"And to give courage to all those in Iran who are subject to be killed for reasons that are ludicrious," said Reisman.
Supporters fear that even if Ashtiani is not stoned to death she may be hanged instead. Amnesty International said that's what happened to three Iranians sentenced to death by stoning last year.
"[She's] still at risk of execution. That's a real problem. She needs to be released and we need to see some confirmation," said Amnesty's Lindsay Mossman.
Fereshteh Molavi, a Toronto-based author who fled Tehran 12 years ago, said celebrity pressure has come at a time when Iran is very conscious of its international image.
"Sometimes they act like they don't care about it. But right now I think it's the right time for this case because the Iranian authority does not want more negative attitude from the world," she said.
With Iran looking to get favourable changes to nuclear sanctions imposed by the West, it could mean a favourable outcome for Ashtiani.
Molavi said she is optimistic that could lead to human rights improvements for all the people of Iran.