Stoning and amputation to go from Iranian criminal code

Calcutta News.Net
Monday 22nd June, 2009

Iran's parliament has met to discuss bans on stoning as a method of capital punishment.

Amputation of a hand as a punishment for stealing is also being revised in the Iranian penal code as Parliament's judicial commission decides on changes to Islamic punishments.

A special court for minors under 18 may also be ratified once the commission has finalised its latest version of the penal code.

Parliament is then likely to vote on whether the new laws should have a trial period before it is finally vetted by the Guardians Council, which consists of Muslim jurists.

Under Iran's existing law, adultery is still punishable by stoning, which involves the hurling of stones in public at the man and woman.

They are only spared if they can free themselves.

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