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.BBC News: Nine face stoning death in Iran (July 20, 2008)
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.BBC News: Nine face stoning death in Iran (July 20, 2008)
Stoning and Sharia Law
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 offenses The Guardian: Sharia law (August 20, 2002) Stoning as punishment for adultery is also discussed in the Bible.
References
Fast Facts
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Fact:
Also known as lapidation
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2007
Two sisters sentenced to death for stoning with little evidence or due processAmnesty International Iran: Death penalty/stoning (February 6, 2008)
