Iran Mom in Stoning Case Confesses to Murder

Ashtiani was tortured into making false confession, lawyer says
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 12, 2010 6:57 AM CDT
Iran Mom in Stoning Case Confesses to Murder
This undated image made available by Amnesty International in London, Thursday July 8, 2010, shows Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani.   (AP Photo/Amnesty International, ho)

Iran appears to be getting ready to close the book on a case that has sparked an international outcry. Sakineh Mohammedi Ashtiani, who was sentenced to death by stoning for adultery, appeared on state-run TV last night and confessed not only to adultery, but to aiding in the murder of her husband. Her lawyer says the mother of two was tortured for two days before the broadcast, the Guardian reports, and fears she will soon be executed in secret.

Her sentence was commuted from stoning to hanging last month. Amnesty International slammed the "so-called confession." It "makes a complete mockery of the judiciary system in Iran," a spokesman said. "Iran is inventing crimes. It is an unacceptable practice that flies in the face of justice." Brazil has offered to give asylum to Ashtiani, and the lawyer who brought her case to the world's attention has fled to Norway.
(More Iran stories.)

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