11 July
2001 AI Index : MDE 13/024/2001 Amnesty International voiced its outrage today at
the reported stoning to death of an Iranian woman at Evin prison in
Tehran.
"Executions by stoning
aggravate the brutality of the death penalty, which in itself is the most
extreme form of torture and the ultimate violation of the right to life. It is a
method specifically designed to increase the victim's suffering," the
organization said.
Despite
Amnesty International's worldwide appeals for 30-year-old Maryam Ayoubi's death
sentence to be commuted, she was executed this morning. The woman had recently
been found guilty of adultery and of murdering her husband.
The stoning of Maryam Ayoubi increases concern
that the authorities may carry out even more executions by stoning. A woman
identified only as Robabeh was reported on 24 June to have been sentenced to 50
lashes to be followed by death by stoning for adultery. Her unnamed male
accomplice had reportedly been sentenced to 100 lashes and death by hanging.
In renewing its urgent
appeals to the Iranian authorities to commute these sentences, Amnesty
International is adding its voice to those of officials, organizations and
individuals in Iran who have already voiced their concern over this
punishment.
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