[tearidrusydet]

Jul 30, 2010 8:13 am US/Pacific
Iranian Sentenced To Stoning Thanks Her Backers

LONDON (AP) ― Supporters say an Iranian woman sitting on death row for adultery has sent a message from prison thanking her international backers for working to save her life.

Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani was condemned to death by stoning after she was convicted of cheating on her husband, a sentence that was lifted earlier this month following a campaign by politicians, rights groups, diplomats and celebrities around the world.

But supporters say she still faces the death penalty, and that as many as 24 other people in Iran are still in line to be stoned to death.

Mina Ahadi, one of those publicizing Ashtiani's plight, told reporters in London Friday that she had dictated the message over the phone.

(© 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.