ATHEISTS URGE IRAN: END STONING, FREE WOMAN ACCUSED OF "ADULTERY"AMERICAN ATHEISTS, INC.
http://www.atheists.org http://www.americanatheist.org For more information, please contact:
Ed Buckner, President 908-499-9200 (cell) or 770-803-5353 (office/fax)
Dave Silverman, Communications Director 732-648-9333
American Atheists joined the call today in urging Iranian officials to end their policy of stoning to death for religion-based offenses, and urged the immediate freedom of a 43-year old Iranian mother who could be executed at any moment.
Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani has already received 99 lashes for allegedly committing adultery. Her attorney calls the action "a bogus conviction." After receiving the brutal punishment, Ashtiani's case was re-opened amidst new charges that she allegedly murdered her husband. She was acquitted of that charge, but then punishment for having an "illicit relationship outside of marriage" was reviewed, and a death penalty by stoning handed down by the court.
Dr. Ed Buckner, President of American Atheists said, "This illustrates the raw, uncivilized barbarism that can come from allowing theocrats to control a society. That stoning this woman to death is even a possibility is outrageous, and every decent human being, religious – any religion – or Atheist, should vigorously object."
