Guide Note

As of July, 2008, at least nine people in Iran have been sentenced to death by stoning for the crime of adultery. Eight of the nine individuals that have been sentenced are women.¹

Although an Iranian judge had issued a moratorium on death by stoning in 2002, it has not always been followed. At least three people have been executed by stoning in the intervening years.¹

Fast Facts

1. Also known as lapidation
2. 2007: Two sisters sentenced to death for stoning with little evidence or due process²

Stoning is a punishment for certain serious offenses, called Hadd offenses, under Sharia law. Sharia law is a set of laws based on the teachings of the Koran, and varies among cultures and countries. Adultery is considered one of these offenses³ Stoning as punishment for adultery is also discussed in the Bible.