Source:
July 10, 2010

In reference to Sakineh Mohammadi’s sentence of death by stoning, Mohammad Javad Larijani, Head of Iran’s Human Rights Council within the judiciary stated: “Our judiciary cannot change its course because of western assaults and pressure by media”.

In an interview with the state owned news agency IRNA, Larijani pointed to the fact that western media outlets commonly use any excuse to attack the Islamic Republic of Iran and said “In recent years, Islamic Shariah rulings have become the subject of assaults by western propaganda machine.”

Larijani stated that he believes stoning is a form of punishment included in Iran’s Constitution, but that judges within the judiciary very rarely issue such a decree.

In relation to Sakineh Mohammadi’s sentence, the Head of Iran’s Human Rights Council said: ” This case has been patiently considered by the judiciary and gone through the standard procedures over the past few years.  There are no ambiguities associated with the procedures and process related to this case.”

Prisoner Sakineh Mohammadi, was initially sentenced to 90 lashings. Her sentence was later changed to death by stoning by another court. Her case is currently under appeal and review.

Larijani added “Judges in Iran issue their rulings based on the law and they are expected to pay strict attention to and adhere to the specific rule of law.”

As of late, there has been much attention to Sakineh Mohammadi’s sentence to death by stoning. World media outlets and Human Rights Organizations have referred to this sentence as inhumane , criticized the Islamic Republic of Iran and asked that they refrain from such form of punishment.