Hundreds of protestors from more than 30 cities
gathered on Sunday in solidarity to participate in “International
Sakineh Mohammedie Ashtiani Day.” Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, a 43 year
old mother of two, was recently sentenced to death by stoning for
adultery by an Iranian court.
Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani was
convicted of having an ‘illicit relationship’ with two men in 2006. In
addition to receiving 99 lashes for her charge, she was also sentenced
to death by stoning.
Under Iranian sharia law, “the sentenced
individual is buried up to the neck, and those attending the public
execution are called upon to throw stones.”
Ashtiani’s
controversial death sentence spurred outrage from human rights groups
worldwide who have condemned the practice as inhumane and barbaric,
causing the Iranian authorities to delay the execution until further
notice. Organizers from yesterday’s rallies said that they hoped to
“intensify the international support [for Ashtiani’s case].”
Apart
from China, Iran has the highest execution rate in the world. Last year
they executed 388 people – mostly by hanging.
Written by Abby
Martin, Reported by KPFA
