Iran Mom in Stoning Case Confesses to Murder

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.
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