Amnesty International today issued its reaction to news from the Iranian embassy in London that Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani will not be executed by stoning.

Amnesty International UK Director Kate Allen said:

“It is very welcome news that Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtianai will not be stoned to death.

“Amnesty International will continue to follow this case closely - if she is simply executed by another means then the abuse will be just as grave. We firmly oppose the death penalty by any method and people’s sex lives should not be criminalised in any event.

“There should now be a full review of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtianai’s case and the processes that led to her conviction.

“It also remains to be seen whether stoning is removed from the Iranian penal code, as the embassy states, as revisions to the code have not yet been ratified.

“The Iranian authorities should order an immediate and effective moratorium on stoning and other forms of execution.”