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Brazil Offers Asylum to Iranian Mom Facing Stoning

Overture by key ally raises hope

By Jane Yager, Newser Staff

Posted Aug 2, 2010 5:39 AM CDT

(Newser) – Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani's chances of avoiding death by stoning have improved greatly thanks to a surprise offer of asylum from Brazil's president. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's overture this weekend to the Iranian mother of two, who has been sentenced to death for adultery, prompted a serious reaction from Tehran, which views Brazil as a key ally, raising hope that Ashtiani's life will be spared.

Iranian authorities softened their tone with Ashtiani's children in the wake of Lula's offer, telling her son that her case would be dealt with this week. "It is very important that Brazil, as one of Iran's most significant allies in the world, has offered a haven for my mother," son Sajad told the Guardian. Iran had previously rebuffed all efforts by international human rights campaigners on Ashtiani's behalf. Lula's offer is an uncharacteristic move for him into the area of international human rights, adding to speculation that he wants to be the next UN secretary general.

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This undated image made available by Amnesty International in London, July 8, 2010, shows Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, a mother of two who is facing stoning to death in Iran on charges of adultery. (AP Photo/Amnesty International, ho)

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If my friendship with the president of Iran and the regard I hold him in is worth something, if this woman is causing discomfort, then we will willingly receive her here. - Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

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Brazil Offers Asylum to Iranian Mom Facing Stoning

Overture by key ally raises hope

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Iran • Tehran • Mahmoud Ahmadinejad • Brazil • stoning • Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva • UN Secretary General • Iranian women • Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani

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More Newser Stories

Iran: We Might Still Stone Adulteress

Tehran apparently still itching to execute Ashtiani

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Facing death, Ashtiani allegedly confesses on television

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Opposition leader Mir Hossein Moussavi's house blocked, phone lines cut

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