QUESTION: I know this issue’s been addressed previously, but Amnesty International is saying that the stoning execution in Iran is imminent, that it will imminently take place. Have there been any developments on this from the U.S. front? Has the U.S. made any appeals? Obviously, there are no diplomatic relations, but has the U.S. – does the U.S. have anything more to say on this case?
MR. TONER: Well, we’re deeply troubled by press reports of the planned execution by Iranian authorities of Ms. Ashitiani by stoning. Stoning, as a means of execution, is tantamount to torture. It’s barbaric and an abhorrent act. The recent United States General – United Nations General Assembly resolution on the situation of human rights in Iran called specifically on Iranian authorities to end the practice of stoning. We call on the Iranian authorities to live up to their due process commitments under the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights. And we condemn in the strongest terms of the use of the practice of stoning anywhere it occurs as a form of legalized death by torture.
Go ahead, Courtney.
QUESTION: Actually mine is the same question. But the British foreign minister has been – was a little bit stronger than that in his condemnation of this and beyond just the idea that it would be an execution by stoning, but the fact that this woman is being held at all for adultery. I mean, is there – has the U.S. made any kind of – I know there’s not strong diplomatic ties between Iran, but has the U.S. made any kind of more assertive effort to stop this or work through intermediaries to --
MR. TONER: Well, again, I mean, I think the language I just used was pretty strong in condemning the practice of stoning. I probably would need to get back to you on what, if any, diplomatic channels we’ve been pursuing. But obviously, we’re taking a strong public stance against it as a barbaric practice.
Given two opportunities, he condemned the practice of stoning, but ignored the fundamental issue. A woman is being executed for adultery. Whether by stoning, lethal injection, or smothering her with hugs (I suppose that last would be forbidden by Sharia law), SHE DIES ANY WAY.
As the supposed leader of the free world, the United States ought to decry the injustice of the abhorrent laws restricting liberty that are being enforced against this woman. The State Department instead decries "the practice of stoning." Stoning isn't the human rights violation, but arresting Ms. Ashitiani in the first place is.
"Courtney" gives Mr. Toner a chance to clarify the S.D. position, and come out against the true injustice and not just the barbarity of stoning. She even cites the Brit Foreign Minister, who apparently gets it, but Mr. Toner refuses to man up to the question.
There is an utter lack of courage in the State Department, and in our government all together. America is not, and will not be, a beacon of liberty unless we are clearly and vocally enemies of oppression and tyranny, wherever it rears its head.
What cowards there are in the State Department.
ReplyDeleteThis is incredible. I knew in general terms of their stoning women, but this report brings it down to a specific woman. This is our State Department aiding and abetting a crime. Just as it has the cruel suppression of the Green Revolution in Iran. Those who fail to defend the defenseless participate in their abuse.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me the United States, as represented by Mr. Toner, is trying to step out and have no involvement in the issue at all. Notice how he narrows to one term, stoning, while ignoring the blatant body of the sentence:
ReplyDelete"'MR. TONER: Well, we’re deeply troubled by press reports of the planned execution by Iranian authorities of Ms. Ashitiani by stoning. Stoning, as a....'"
In converation, this is almost evasive action #1. Give an answer to look involved, but drop the issue the moment the nose is gone. Not acceptable behavior, and a poor moral-less mock-up at that, for a world leading nation.