01 August 2010

Brazil offers asylum to Iran woman sentenced to stoning

Iran says Ms Ashtiani will not be stoned, but she could still be executed Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has offered to provide refuge to a woman facing execution in Iran.

President Lula asked Iran to allow Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani to accept the offer. Ms Ashtiani's case prompted international outrage when she was initially sentenced to death by stoning. Although that threat was apparently lifted last month, she may still face execution by hanging.

"I call on...Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to permit Brazil to grant asylum to this woman," Mr Lula said at a campaign rally for his party's presidential candidate. [BBC] Read more