The sentencing of Ms. Ashtiani for adultery has been stopped - Ramin Mehmanparast

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast says the death sentence of a woman convicted of adultery and murder has been suspended, Press TV reported.

Mehmanparast said on Tuesday that Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani was guilty of murder and adultery. "Defending a person on trial for murder should not be turned into a human rights matter."

He went on to add that if releasing all parties found guilty of murder is to be considered a matter of defending human rights, then European countries can free all incarcerated murderers in the name of human rights.

"The sentencing of Ms. Ashtiani for adultery has been stopped and [her case] is being reviewed again, and her sentencing for complicity in murder is in process."

Mehmanparast urged all concerned parties about Ashtiani's condition to have some consideration for the bereaved relatives of the victim who have lost someone.

Mehmanparast emphasized that even in Western countries, which are not sensitive about family values, take offence at betrayal.

On August 28, the London Times published the photo of a women it claimed to be Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani.

A few days later the times apologized for publishing the photo. Western media claim that the time's apology was due to Ashtiani allegedly being sentenced to 99 lashes over the picture.

On August 29, the Human Rights office of the Iranian Judiciary said in a statement that the death sentence handed to Ashtiani had been finalized, but it was pending further proceedings by the judiciary's human rights department.