The Eastern Azerbaijan prosecutor has called for Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani to be immediately executed by hanging. Please find below a revised sample letter in English, Deutsch, and Francais, and extended list of government and media contacts. We have pushed them back thus far; were it not for our global response, she would have already been stoned to death. KEEP PUSHING. DEMAND IMMEDIATE DIPLOMATIC RESPONSE.
Sample letter [ENGLISH]:
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to you with an urgent request that you intervene with the authorities in the Islamic Republic of Iran, who are preparing to execute Ms. Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani for the alleged act of adultery, a non-crime.
By stoning or by hanging, it is wrong to execute her. And by standing for Sakineh, I stand for all those threatened by the Islamic Republic’s barbaric use of execution as its primary method of repressing and terrorizing the population in order to stay in power. I demand immediate and unconditional freedom for Sakineh Ashtiani.
Diplomatic sanctions, including travel bans, freezing of bank accounts, and expulsion from international organizations such as the UN – especially the UN Commission on the Status of Women – must be used to force the Islamic Republic to comply with international law and standards of human rights.
Sincerely,
[your name]
Sample letter [DEUTSCH]:
Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren,
Ich schreibe Ihnen mit der dringenden Bitte, bei den Behörden der Islamischen Republik Iran zu intervenieren .
Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani soll für ihren angeblichen Ehebruch getötet werden.
Ob durch Steinigung oder durch Erhängen ist hier nicht die Frage. Die Tatsache der Hinrichtung an sich ist verwerflich. Der Fall Sakineh steht als Beispiel für alle, die durch die barbarischen Methoden der Islamischen Republik unterdrückt werden. Hinrichtungen und Folterungen als Mittel den Machtapparat der islamischen Republik zu erhalten.
Ich fordere die sofortige und bedingungslose Freiheit für Sakineh Ashtiani.
Um die Islamische Republik zu der Einhaltung internationalen Rechts und den Normen der Menschenrechte zu zwingen, müssen diplomatische Sanktionen einschließlich Reiseverbote, Einfrieren von Bankkonten und die Ausschließung aus internationalen Organisationen wie den Vereinten Nationen – vor allem aus der UN-Kommission für die Rechtsstellung der Frau – verwendet werden.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen,
[Seine nahme]
Translation: Sohela Jandi
Sample letter [FRANCAIS]:
Mesdames, Messieurs,
je me permets de vous écrire avec une demande très urgente d’intervenir auprès des institutions de la République islamique d’Iran. Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani est menacée d’être tué à cause de son soi-disant adultère.
Si c’est une mort par lapidation ou par pendaison, peu importe, son exécution même est une action barbare et inacceptable. Et l’exemple de Sakineh est symbolique pour tous ceux qui vivent en Iran, opprimés par les méthodes brutales de la Républqie islamique. Un régime dictatorial qui se sert de tortures et exécutions pour maintenir son pouvoir.
Je demande donc la libération immédiate et inconditionnelle de Sakineh Ashtiani. Pour contraindre la République islamique de se tenir aux normes du droit international et aux droits de l’homme, il faut des sanctions diplomatiques, dont interdictions de voyager, gel des comptes bancaires et l’exclusion des organisation internationales comme l’ONU et la commission de l’ONU sur le statut des femmes.
Respectueusement,
[Votre nom]
Translation: Lisa Jandi
| Extended gov’t & int’l org contacts npillay@ohchr.org, michael.spindelegger@bmeia.gv.at, kab.bz@diplobel.fed.be, info@mvp.gov.ba, iprd@mfa.government.bg, ministar@mvpei.hr, minforeign1@mfa.gov.cy, podatelna@mzv.cz, udenrigsministeren@um.dk, vminfo@vm.ee, umi@formin.fi, bernard.kouchner@diplomatie.gouv.fr, inform@mfa.gov.ge, guido.westerwelle@auswaertiges-amt.de, gpapandreou@parliament.gr, titkarsag.konz@kum.hu, external@utn.stjr.is, minister@dfa.ie, gabinetto@cert.esteri.it, segreteria.frattini@esteri.it, urm@urm.lt, tonio.borg@gov.mt, secdep@mfa.md, m.verhagen@minbuza.nl, post@mfa.no, DNZPC.Sekretariat@msz.gov.pl, senec@mne.gov.pt, pm@pm.gov.pt miguel.moratinos@maec.es, registrator@foreign.ministry.se, info@eda.admin.ch, turkcons.london@mfa.gov.tr, urgent-action@ohchr.org, Iran_team@amnesty.org, CONTACT FORM, US Dept of State |
Extended media contacts nightline@abcnews.com, 2020@abc.com, evening@cbsnews.com, earlyshow@cbs.com, 60m@cbsnews.com, 48hours@cbsnews.com, ftn@cbsnews.com, info@cnbc.com, dateline@nbcuni.com, hardball@msnbc.com, joe@msnbc.com, nightly@nbc.com, today@nbc.com, newshour@pbs.org, ombudsman@npr.org, city@thestar.ca, readers.rep@latimes.com, letters@latimes.com, letters@nytimes.com, Bruce.Wallace@latimes.com, Mark.McGonigle@latimes.com, news-tips@nytimes.com, foreign@nytimes.com, nytnews@nytimes.com, editor@usatoday.com, wsj.ltrs@wsj.com, letters@washpost.com, ombudsman@washpost.com, letters@newsweek.com, letters@time.com, letters@usnews.com, info@ap.org, tips@upi.com, red@berlingske.dk, redaktion@faz.de, redactie@volkskrant.nl, ole.erik.almlid@aftenposten.no, bjorn.hedensjo@dn.se, redaktion@tages-anzeiger.ch, foreign.news@thetimes.co.uk, robert.tait@guardian.co.uk, simon.jeffery@guardian.co.uk, redazione.tg5@mediaset.it, redazione.studioapertorm@mediaset.it, skytg24.redazione@skytv.it, segreteria_roma@repubblica.it, roma@lastampa.it, esteri@liberazione.it, segreteria@unita.it, lorenzocairoli@hotmail.com, redazione@ilmanifesto.it, nadiapizzuti@gmail.com, nadia.pizzuti@ansa.it |
برای ایران آزاد mission free iran 
I think we need to bring her here to America. She needs to be saved. How horrible the way women are treated as apposed to men.
Posted by Janice G. | July 17, 2010, 1:43 amThis has to stop. I am so deeply concerned with the lack of regard for humanity in this country, (and others who are abusing power and using barbaric forms of punishment). Somehow, these nations need to see Women and girls (in particular), as people of worth, and not disposable property. Whatever we can do as civilized nations we must do, to put an end to this.
Posted by A.R.Simard | July 17, 2010, 2:03 amDear A.R.,
Thank you so mcuh for your impassioned concern. The Islamic Republic “government” has been keeping people in Iran under oppression for 31 years. The best and most appropriate thing we can do from outside is demand that the governments of the countries where we live stop treating the Islamic Republic like a normal government and start treating it like the oppressive crime syndicate that it is. The way to do this is to force governments to shut the regime’s embassy doors in their countries, to remove the Islamic Republic from international decisionmaking bodies (but consider how to have *people* in Iran represented, and to stop trying to appease and negotiate with mass murderers (see the wiki for Khavaran just for a small taste of what this regime does). And the way to demand that governments implement these kinds of diplomatic sanctions is to write to them, encourage friends and family to write, and to go out and demonstrate in front of government buildings. It doesn’t take much to have an impact – 3-4 people with some signs with Sakineh’s photo and demands for freedom and nothing less. This campaign is about Sakineh, and it is about every oppressed person suffering under the thumb of the Islamic regime. It is our job to stand up with them, especially now when the regime’s crackdowns have made it harder and harder for those struggling inside Iran to make their voices heard.
Best,
Maria Rohaly
Posted by missionfreeiran | July 17, 2010, 9:19 amOnly God can decide who lives and death. Judge only are humans, with their faults and virtues
Posted by aurora | July 17, 2010, 2:59 amDear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to you with an urgent request that you intervene with the authorities in the Islamic Republic of Iran, who are preparing to execute Ms. Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani for the alleged act of adultery, a non-crime.
By stoning or by hanging, it is wrong to execute her. And by standing for Sakineh, I stand for all those threatened by the Islamic Republic’s barbaric use of execution as its primary method of repressing and terrorizing the population in order to stay in power.
Diplomatic sanctions, including travel bans, freezing of bank accounts, and expulsion from international organizations such as the UN – especially the UN Commission on the Status of Women – must be used to force the Islamic Republic to comply with international law and standards of human rights.
Sincerely, Irina Aries
Posted by Irina Aries | July 17, 2010, 6:13 amThis punishment for an act of alleged act of adultery is cruel, unnatural and disproportionate. In the light of massive world wide protest agaisnt stoning, to persist with execution is quite simply vindictive.
Posted by Lindy Barbour | July 17, 2010, 7:24 amHow much longer will women’s right be abused? The Iranian culture has so much to offer to the world but oppression only hinders true inspiration for its people.
Posted by K.P. Kollenborn | July 17, 2010, 11:46 amDear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to you with an urgent request that you intervene with the authorities in the Islamic Republic of Iran, who are preparing to execute Ms. Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani for the alleged act of adultery, a non-crime.
By stoning or by hanging, it is wrong to execute her. And by standing for Sakineh, I stand for all those threatened by the Islamic Republic’s barbaric use of execution as its primary method of repressing and terrorizing the population in order to stay in power. I demand immediate and unconditional freedom for Sakineh Ashtiani.
Diplomatic sanctions, including travel bans, freezing of bank accounts, and expulsion from international organizations such as the UN – especially the UN Commission on the Status of Women – must be used to force the Islamic Republic to comply with international law and standards of human rights.
Sincerely,
Don Rice
Posted by Don Rice | July 17, 2010, 3:00 pmPlease i express my feelings, hope we can do something in time, it is wrong for this decision to take place , save Sakinah and give her back her life. Only Allah can judge and no one can take his place, He is all forgiving and Merciful, we are in no place to judge her. She must be given justice
Posted by Fatima Ibrahim | July 17, 2010, 6:23 pmCount me in. I’m sending to those contacts this message.
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to you with an urgent request that you intervene with the authorities in the Islamic Republic of Iran, who are preparing to execute Ms. Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani for the alleged act of adultery, a non-crime.
By stoning or by hanging, it is wrong to execute her. And by standing for Sakineh, I stand for all those threatened by the Islamic Republic’s barbaric use of execution as its primary method of repressing and terrorizing the population in order to stay in power. I demand immediate and unconditional freedom for Sakineh Ashtiani.
Diplomatic sanctions, including travel bans, freezing of bank accounts, and expulsion from international organizations such as the UN – especially the UN Commission on the Status of Women – must be used to force the Islamic Republic to comply with international law and standards of human rights.
Sincerely,
Natalia A ( From Brazil )
Posted by Natalia A | July 17, 2010, 10:57 pmLet her go!
Posted by Zohar | July 18, 2010, 6:47 pmis somebody forgetting we’re in the 21 century (AC, not BC !) ???
Posted by Acacio da Costa Miguel | July 19, 2010, 6:48 amQuite!
Posted by teresa | September 22, 2010, 4:49 pmSehr geehrte Damen und Herren,
Ich schreibe Ihnen mit der dringenden Bitte, bei den Behörden der Islamischen Republik Iran zu intervenieren .
Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani soll für ihren angeblichen Ehebruch getötet werden.
Ob durch Steinigung oder durch Erhängen ist hier nicht die Frage. Die Tatsache der Hinrichtung an sich ist verwerflich. Der Fall Sakineh steht als Beispiel für alle, die durch die barbarischen Methoden der Islamischen Republik unterdrückt werden. Hinrichtungen und Folterungen als Mittel den Machtapparat der islamischen Republik zu erhalten.
Ich fordere die sofortige und bedingungslose Freiheit für Sakineh Ashtiani.
Um die Islamische Republik zu der Einhaltung internationalen Rechts und den Normen der Menschenrechte zu zwingen, müssen diplomatische Sanktionen einschließlich Reiseverbote, Einfrieren von Bankkonten und die Ausschließung aus internationalen Organisationen wie den Vereinten Nationen – vor allem aus der UN-Kommission für die Rechtsstellung der Frau – verwendet werden.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen,
Henny Huber
Posted by Henny Huber | July 19, 2010, 6:57 amSehr geehrte Damen und Herren,
Ich schreibe Ihnen mit der dringenden Bitte, bei den Behörden der Islamischen Republik Iran zu intervenieren .
Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani soll für ihren angeblichen Ehebruch getötet werden.
Ob durch Steinigung oder durch Erhängen ist hier nicht die Frage. Die Tatsache der Hinrichtung an sich ist verwerflich. Der Fall Sakineh steht als Beispiel für alle, die durch die barbarischen Methoden der Islamischen Republik unterdrückt werden. Hinrichtungen und Folterungen als Mittel den Machtapparat der islamischen Republik zu erhalten.
Ich fordere die sofortige und bedingungslose Freiheit für Sakineh Ashtiani.
Um die Islamische Republik zu der Einhaltung internationalen Rechts und den Normen der Menschenrechte zu zwingen, müssen diplomatische Sanktionen einschließlich Reiseverbote, Einfrieren von Bankkonten und die Ausschließung aus internationalen Organisationen wie den Vereinten Nationen – vor allem aus der UN-Kommission für die Rechtsstellung der Frau – verwendet werden.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen,
Carmen Breuer
Posted by Carmen Breuer | July 19, 2010, 12:41 pmDear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to you with an urgent request that you intervene with the authorities in the Islamic Republic of Iran, who are preparing to execute Ms. Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani for the alleged act of adultery, a non-crime.
By stoning or by hanging, it is wrong to execute her. And by standing for Sakineh, I stand for all those threatened by the Islamic Republic’s barbaric use of execution as its primary method of repressing and terrorizing the population in order to stay in power. I demand immediate and unconditional freedom for Sakineh Ashtiani.
Diplomatic sanctions, including travel bans, freezing of bank accounts, and expulsion from international organizations such as the UN – especially the UN Commission on the Status of Women – must be used to force the Islamic Republic to comply with international law and standards of human rights.
Sincerely,
Karen Walker (Germany)
Posted by Karen | July 19, 2010, 3:12 pmI dunno wat is wrong with the system there in iran..guess it needs a reform and a revolt by the people. Still this scenario of stoning of a woman is too sad and highly condemnable. I’ve heard of women revolution in iran, i guess the government is trying to supress that by imparting a heavy hand upon the female section of the iranian society. The crazy prez has gone too far in making IRAN an Islamic Republic.
Posted by Shiraz Ali | July 19, 2010, 5:18 pmDear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to you with an urgent request that you intervene with the authorities in the Islamic Republic of Iran, who are preparing to execute Ms. Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani for the alleged act of adultery, a non-crime.
By stoning or by hanging, it is wrong to execute her. And by standing for Sakineh, I stand for all those threatened by the Islamic Republic’s barbaric use of execution as its primary method of repressing and terrorizing the population in order to stay in power. I demand immediate and unconditional freedom for Sakineh Ashtiani.
Diplomatic sanctions, including travel bans, freezing of bank accounts, and expulsion from international organizations such as the UN – especially the UN Commission on the Status of Women – must be used to force the Islamic Republic to comply with international law and standards of human rights.
Sincerely,
Alex Rose
Posted by lexirose | July 20, 2010, 11:10 amFree this lady immediately as how can her second trial be valid when she has already been tried and punished? Yuor country needs to wake up and treat humans with a fair trial and humane treatment which will stand up in the courts of the world.
Posted by Jenny Coutts | July 20, 2010, 12:14 pmI believe we need to bring Ms. Ashtiani here. Hwever, I don’t see that happening without government intervention, and that eems unlikely, at this point. Since it seems to be that the uproar over her is only antagonizing her government, maybe we should all start petitioning ours to step in…
Posted by LeeLee Hoyt | July 20, 2010, 9:30 pmSehr geehrte Damen und Herren,
Ich schreibe Ihnen mit der dringenden Bitte, bei den Behörden der Islamischen Republik Iran zu intervenieren .
Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani soll für ihren angeblichen Ehebruch getötet werden.
Ob durch Steinigung oder durch Erhängen ist hier nicht die Frage. Die Tatsache der Hinrichtung an sich ist verwerflich. Der Fall Sakineh steht als Beispiel für alle, die durch die barbarischen Methoden der Islamischen Republik unterdrückt werden. Hinrichtungen und Folterungen als Mittel den Machtapparat der islamischen Republik zu erhalten.
Ich fordere die sofortige und bedingungslose Freiheit für Sakineh Ashtiani.
Um die Islamische Republik zu der Einhaltung internationalen Rechts und den Normen der Menschenrechte zu zwingen, müssen diplomatische Sanktionen einschließlich Reiseverbote, Einfrieren von Bankkonten und die Ausschließung aus internationalen Organisationen wie den Vereinten Nationen – vor allem aus der UN-Kommission für die Rechtsstellung der Frau – verwendet werden.
Mit freundlichen Grüßen,
K. Peemöller
Posted by K. Peemöller | July 21, 2010, 8:03 amDear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to you from Canada with an urgent request that you intervene with the authorities in the Islamic Republic of Iran, who are preparing to execute Ms. Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani for the alleged and unproven act of adultery, a non-crime.
Whether by stoning, hanging or any other means, it is wrong to execute her. By standing for Sakineh, I stand for all those threatened by the Islamic Republic’s barbaric use of execution as its primary method of repressing and terrorizing the population in order to stay in power. I join with good and decent people from around the globe to demand immediate and unconditional freedom for Sakineh Ashtiani.
I wish to be counted with international chorus of voices in expressing profound disgust and outrage at the treatment of Sakineh. All reasonable and means should be employed to get Iran’s attention and to have an effective and lasting impact. It must start with Sakineh, but must not end there. Many other women in Iran are awaiting a similar unjust, inhuman and ungodly fate.
Diplomatic sanctions, including travel bans, freezing of bank accounts, and expulsion from international organizations such as the UN – especially the UN Commission on the Status of Women – must be used to force the Islamic Republic to comply with international law and standards of human rights.
Please do what you can as a matter of extreme urgency, in the name of humanity and all that’s fair and just.
Yours sincerely,
A. G. Robinson,
Posted by Ann Robinson | July 22, 2010, 1:36 amI think that such a strong and outraged punishment for such a crime is ridiculous. If all woman would be hang because they committed adultery, half of the population would be gone. Somebody needs to step in and help this woman. They have to be equal rights for woman and man and to prosecute person according to the crime. Where are the women’s rights? Where are the organization protecting woman’s rights? Where is the government in this country? This is plain wrong. Most of all I like to know if she was proven guilty at all?
Posted by Monica | July 23, 2010, 3:09 amDear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to you with an urgent request that you intervene with the authorities in the Islamic Republic of Iran, who are preparing to execute Ms Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani for the alleged act of adultery, a non-crime.
By stoning or by hanging, it is wrong to execute her. And by standing for Sakineh, I stand for all those threatened by the Islamic Republic’s barbaric use of execution as its primary method of repressing and terrorising the population in order to stay in power. I demand immediate and unconditional freedom for Sakineh Ashtiani.
Diplomatic sanctions, including travel bans, freezing bank accounts, and expulsion from international organisations such as the UN – especially the UN Commission on the Status of Women – must be used to force the Islamic Republic to comply with the international law and standards of human rights.
Sincerely,
Christina Zarifova (UK)
Posted by Christina Zarifova | July 24, 2010, 5:43 amFor Sakineh Ashtiani and all women who are faced with such horrific treatments and hideous executions, I ask this so called “peaceful muslim nation” to remember these famous words: “So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.”(John 8:7, Bible)…It’s amazing how people turn a blind eye towards adulterous men in these muslims societies but are quick to persecute a woman–because she’s a woman! What an unfortunate world they live in with “double standards” and hypocracy–i.e: men are permitted to have 4 women at a time, women must cover themselves from head to toe while men do not, men are “religiously” allowed to hit their wives, two women equals one man in a court system, etc…all of these examples including Sakineh Ashtiani’s should be enough of a reason to ban islam not only from western civilizations but world-wide…People need to vigorously rise up to the occasion against the spread of islamization in order to prevent further mistreatment, inequality and injustice towards women all over the muslim world! Amen
Posted by Nora Al-Zadan | July 27, 2010, 1:17 amPlease do not kill another – ever!
Men and women are equal in the world. Some parts of the world try to live in the dark ages and use fear to control rather than justice.
This has to change – the world is watching and hoping waiting for the people who hold her to set her free and show that they have a part in their heart that will give us all faith.
Posted by R C O | November 1, 2010, 5:32 pmI am writing to you from Canada with an urgent request that you intervene with the authorities in the Islamic Republic of Iran, who are preparing to execute Ms. Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani for the alleged act of adultery, a non-crime.
By stoning or by hanging, it is wrong to execute her. And by standing for Sakineh, I stand for all those threatened by the Islamic Republic’s barbaric use of execution as its primary method of repressing and terrorizing the population in order to stay in power. I demand immediate and unconditional freedom for Sakineh Ashtiani.
Diplomatic sanctions, including travel bans, freezing of bank accounts, and expulsion from international organizations such as the UN – especially the UN Commission on the Status of Women – must be used to force the Islamic Republic to comply with international law and standards of human rights.
Sincerely,
Azi Rad
Posted by azi Rad | November 1, 2010, 9:22 pmThank you, dear Azi. <3
Maria.
Posted by missionfreeiran | November 1, 2010, 9:43 pmI am writing to you from Florida with an urgent request that you intervene with the authorities in the Islamic Republic of Iran, who are preparing to execute Ms. Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani for the alleged act of adultery, a non-crime.
By stoning or by hanging, it is wrong to execute her. And by standing for Sakineh, I stand for all those threatened by the Islamic Republic’s barbaric use of execution as its primary method of repressing and terrorizing the population in order to stay in power. I demand immediate and unconditional freedom for Sakineh Ashtiani.
Diplomatic sanctions, including travel bans, freezing of bank accounts, and expulsion from international organizations such as the UN – especially the UN Commission on the Status of Women – must be used to force the Islamic Republic to comply with international law and standards of human rights.
Concerned – Mrs. Elaine Vega de Mercado
Posted by Elaine | November 2, 2010, 7:19 amسکینه آشتیانی را آزاد کنید او بی گناه هست
Posted by Farahnaz Emadi | November 2, 2010, 7:22 amDear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to you with an urgent request that you intervene with the authorities in the Islamic Republic of Iran, who are preparing to execute Ms. Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani for the alleged act of adultery, a non-crime.
By stoning or by hanging, it is wrong to execute her. And by standing for Sakineh, I stand for all those threatened by the Islamic Republic’s barbaric use of execution as its primary method of repressing and terrorizing the population in order to stay in power. I demand immediate and unconditional freedom for Sakineh Ashtiani.
Diplomatic sanctions, including travel bans, freezing of bank accounts, and expulsion from international organizations such as the UN – especially the UN Commission on the Status of Women – must be used to force the Islamic Republic to comply with international law and standards of human rights.
Sincerely,
Jani
Posted by Jani | November 3, 2010, 4:24 am