Iran Reportedly Gives Mohammadi-Ashtiani 99 Lashes for an English Photo Without a Headscarf

The world has rallied to the defense of Sakineh Mohammadi-Ashtiani, the Iranian woman sentenced to death by stoning for adultery. We have been following the case closely on this blog with a mix of both horror and anger. However, the Iranians continue to yield to their bloodlust over her fate, even recently calling for the death of the French First Lady after she called for mercy. Now, the regime is again applying Sharia law and Mohammadi-Ashtiani, 43, was given 99 lashes because a picture was published of her without her veil.

A prison judge reportedly sentenced her to be flogged for spreading “corruption and indecency” by the publication of a photograph of her without a headscarf that appeared in a British newspaper. The Times of London ran the picture that it said was received from one of her lawyers, but the attribution of the photo is now in question. Her son says it is not in fact his mother.

The Iranians originally charged her with adultery and then, after international outcry, added a conspiracy claim in the alleged murder of her husband. Her family has complained that she has been tortured in custody.

The flogging of Mohammadi-Ashtiani would be yet another unspeakable offense against the basic human rights of this woman and yet another example of the grotesque religious-based law imposed in Iran.

We will continue, of course, to follow the plight of this woman and her family.

Source: Radio Free Europe

Jonathan Turley