Iranian Justice: Eight Women Face Stoning Deaths for Adultery

Iran is reportedly preparing for the possible stoning to death of as many as eight women for adultery in its medieval legal system. In one case involving a woman, Ashraf Kalhori, who was accused of both adultery and taking part in the murder of her husband. In Iran, she faced 15 years for the murder, but a stoning death for the adultery.

Likewise, a woman known only as Iran was implicated in the death of her husband but will be stoned to death for her alleged adultery with a neighbor’s son. The husband saw Iran speaking with the boy and attacked her — knocking her unconscious. The boy then killed the husband while she was unconscious.

It is the same fate as Khayrieh, who was sentenced to death for complicity in the murder of her husband by a relative. She admits that she had an affair but insists that she had no knowledge of the murder. She will die for the adultery.

Amnesty has documented these cases and is calling on the world to demand Iran stop the stonings. Iran’s perverse use of Sharia law is not likely to end. The discrimination and abuse of women in the country should be a matter for international outrage and sanctions.

For the press release from Amnesty International, click here.