Sakineh’s imminent execution sets off alarm bells

(Nov.03,2010) The International Committee Against Stoning has announced that Iranian authorities have given the green light for Sakineh Ashtiani’s execution. It said “the ‘Human Rights Commission’ of the regime” has announced that ‘according to the existing evidence, her guilt has been confirmed.” Sakineh has been accused of adultery and of murdering her husband. But according to the International Committee, the Iraqi regime “ created a new scenario in order to expedite her execution.” It noted that “the case file regarding the murder case of Sakineh’s husband was seized from her lawyer’s office. Thus, her case was most likely based on “trumped up murder charges.”
Since 11 August, Sakineh has also been denied visitation rights, whilst her son, Sajjad Ghaderzadeh, and her lawyer, Houtan Kian, have been arrested. News about the pending execution has sent shockwaves around the world, including Italy. In a joint statement, Italy’s Foreign Minister Franco Frattini and Equal Opportunities Minister Mara Carfagna have said they have been deeply shocked by news coming from non-government sources in Tehran that Sakineh’s life was in imminent danger. They noted in their press release that the Italian government and public opinion are against this form of punishment because it violates human dignity.
The ministers said they are confident however, that Iran, which Italy respects as a sovereign nation, and with whom it wants to engage in constructive dialogue, can heed their appeal, which is not against Iran, but for Sakineh’s life, a point made clear from the start of Italy’s campaign.