Iran’s envoy to Vatican: mitigation “possible” in stoning case as Islamic law allows clemency
By APWednesday, September 8, 2010
Iran envoy: mitigation ‘possible’ in stoning case
ROME — Iran’s envoy to the Vatican says mitigation could be “possible” in the stoning sentence of an Iranian woman convicted of adultery because Islamic law allows for clemency.
Ambassador Ali Akbar Naseri told Italian state TV in an interview broadcast Wednesday night that the case of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani was under study by experts.
He said Islamic law “is inspired by clemency and forgiveness.” Asked if that meant the 43-year-old mother of two might receive clemency, the envoy replied that “some mitigation of the punishment is possible.”
The ambassador to the Holy See didn’t elaborate.
On Sunday, the Vatican raised the possibility of using its diplomatic channels on humanitarian grounds in the case but stopped short of saying such efforts had begun.
