Iran/planned execution of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani

France is deeply concerned about reports that the execution of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani could take place imminently.

This morning I called the Iranian Foreign Minister to say how appalled I am and again appeal to the Iranian authorities to definitively halt Sakineh’s execution and pardon her. Manouchehr Mottaki assured me that the Iranian courts had not yet reached a final verdict in the case of Sakineh Ashtiani, and that the reports of her possible execution did not square with the facts. I also told my counterpart that the international community could not understand the imprisonment of Sakineh’s son and lawyer.

France, together with her European partners, will continue to be actively engaged in efforts to save the life of this Iranian woman.

I urge the Iranian authorities to heed the international community’s appeals and respect the international commitments to which Iran has subscribed.

We remain, together with our European partners, deeply concerned by the human rights situation in Iran. We call on the Iranian authorities to respect fundamental freedoms, end their policy of intimidation and repression and release all those today unjustly detained./.