Friday, July 9, 2010

Sakineh Mohammadi-Ashtiani Sentenced to Death by Stoning

So, Iran buckled (surprisingly) to international outcry about stoning to death the woman, who after 99 lashes admitted to adultery. They will probably hang her instead.

I don't know about you, but after about 2 lashes, I'd probably admit to about anything.

Someone told me that stoning is rare in the Middle East. Yeah? Well, in Iran as of this morning 12 women and 3 men await death by stoning. They currently execute at least 388 people a year.

In Iran, as in most Muslim Countries, gender differences make all the difference. Accused women are guilty and must prove themselves innocent. Accused men are innocent and it must be proved they are guilty. Wow, THAT'S fair.

Thank you Amnesty International for making light of this woman's case and creating a world wide outrage. I guess her death by hanging for a crime she didn't commit and was already punished for by 99 lashes is better than stoning. I guess. I have an arsenal of profanity I'd like to insert here, but picture what a really drunk sailor would say and you get the idea. My dad was in the Navy so you know I have the repertoire.

So, AI, thanks! I sometimes don't get you, but you're right on the money here. Where, I must ask VERY politely, are the women's groups? What does NOW have to say? Where is the Feminist Majority?

We have to keep putting pressure on these barbaric countries to quit kangaroo courts and quick executions (as in the heart wrenching case of the 7 yr old boy who was hanged), and coerced "confessions" to elicit horrendous punishments such as 99 lashes and death by stoning.

Yes, the USA needs to reconsider the death penalty. We need to abolish it. And, we need to fight for human rights in the world!

Check out these stats:

Country/Number executed in 2009 (from Amnesty International):
1

People's Republic of China
Officially not released At least 1700 (estimated)
2

Iran
At least 388
3

Iraq
At least 120
4

Saudi Arabia
At least 69
5

United States
52
6

Yemen
At least 30
7

Sudan
At least 9
8

Vietnam
At least 9
9

Syria
At least 8
10

Japan
7
11

Egypt
At least 5
12

Libya
At least 4
13

Bangladesh
3
14

Thailand
2
15

Singapore
At least 1
16

Botswana
1
17

Malaysia
Unreleased
18

North Korea
Unreleased

No comments: