Teen Mom Faces Death by Stoning

According to Iranian and foreign press, a 13-year-old girl has been condemned to death by stoning after being raped by her brother. Her brother did not receive a death penalty.

Zhila's death sentence comes two months after the public hanging of a 16-year-old girl found guilty of "acts against chastity" in the city of Neka. Read the Telegraph story here.

Zhila gave birth in prison two weeks ago in Marivan, Iran. She is acused of adultery, but is actually an incest victim. The Iranian constitution offers women and girls little judicial protection or due process.

International pressure played a huge role in saving Amina Lawal--the Nigerian mother who had been sentenced to death by stoning was freed earlier this year.

I will never understand this murderous fear of female sexuality that seems to go hand in hand with fundamentalism of every kind. The Prophet Muhammad prohibited violence against women. By all accounts, Jesus was a non-violent peace-lover. . .

Please let me know if you have in more information on this case. There was a petition at Petions Online until yesterday, but it seems to have vanished. The International Committee Against Stoning recommends writing to Iranian President Mohammad Khatami demanding:

- Immediate abolition of stoning and all other forms of punishment for extra-marital relations;

- Immediate release of Zhila and all those imprisoned for extra-marital relations;

Email: khatami@president.ir Fax: 0098 21 649 5880