Iranian liberalism: Judges can choose other death penalty for adultery than stoning

They are so progressive!

Iran has amended its internationally condemned law on stoning convicted adulterers to death to allow judges to impose a different form of execution, according to the revision seen by AFP on Thursday.

The controversial practice, in which stones are thrown at the partially buried offender, has provoked outcries from human rights organisations, international bodies and Western countries urging Iran to abandon it.

An article of Iran's Islamic new penal code, published earlier this week, states that, "if the possibility of carrying out the (stoning) verdict does not exist," the sentencing judge may order another form of execution pending final approval by the judiciary chief.

The article does not explain what is meant by the possibility of stoning not existing.

In Iran, executions are normally carried out by hanging.

Here's something I didn't know about stoning:

Under Iran's interpretation of Islamic Sharia law in force since its 1979 revolution, adultery is punished by the stoning of convicted adulterers.

Women are buried up to the their shoulders, but men only up to their waists. They are spared if they manage to free themselves before dying.

Well, of course, women must start at a disadvantage. After all, they are ....women.

Doesn't that sound like the ultimate reality TV show? "Escaping the Stone," with your host, Iran's biggest Western cheerleader, Juan Cole! If they answer Quran questions correctly, they can be buried in lighter materials before the stoning begins, moving from cinder blocks through sand and up to Styrofoam and confetti.