Iranian woman sentenced to death reported free after global outcry
World
Iranian woman sentenced to death reported free after global outcry
An Iranian woman who was sentenced to death has reportedly been freed after an international outcry, including pleas from Prime Minister Stephen Harpers wife. The Prime Ministers Office circulated word of Sakineh Mohammadi-Ashtianis release to reporters. Laureen Harper hosted a discussion forum on Iranian human rights last month and signed a letter imploring the Iranian government to set Ashtiani free. I am heartened today to hear the news reports that Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani has apparently been freed from her unjust imprisonment, Laureen Harper said in a statement Thursday. While todays news is encouraging, there is more that must be done to improve the lives of women in Iran. It remains my hope that women in Iran may one day enjoy the same benefits, rights and freedoms that we are so fortunate to have here in Canada.Ashtiani was sentenced to death by stoning after appearing on TV to confess to her husbands murder a confession her lawyers say was forced. The sentence was changed to hanging after a massive international outcry, and she has been awaiting her execution. A press release on the website of the International Campaign Against Stoning called Ashtianis release heart warming and a historical success for humanity.
