Norway Stepping Up

Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr condemned the recent stoning in Iran of a man convicted of adultery (in Iran). The foreign minister did not mince words when he said,
"I am outraged that the stoning has been carried out and condemn in the strongest possible terms this death sentence."
Norway's surprising denouncement could be a portentous event, foreshadowing what effect outside countries have on Iran. The victim's partner was also convicted of adultery and is waiting in jail to see if her stoning sentence will be administered by authorities. The delay in carrying out the woman's death sentence can be seen as a direct result of strong international pressure against stoning. Even though a 2002 judicial directive called for suspending the brutal practice of stoning, many conservative elements within Iran have chosen to ignore it.