14/09/2010 Equality and Non-Discrimination
Strasbourg, 14.09.2010 – José Mendes Bota (Portugal, EPP/CD), Chair of the Committee on Equal Opportunities for Women and Men of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly, recalled today that the suspension of the stoning of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, sentenced to death for adultery, was a step forward but a far-from-adequate measure, which merely postponed execution of the sentence.
“We firmly condemn the death sentence, stoning, whipping and all other forms of inhuman treatment that constitute violations of fundamental human rights and are archaic, unacceptable practices. We call on the Iranian authorities to rescind the sentence pronounced against Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, end the persecution and discrimination in Iran of which women are the first victims, and introduce the necessary changes to guarantee respect for fundamental rights, including those of women,” Mr Mendes Bota said.