Iran to halt implementation of stoning sentences pending judiciary reviews

Tehran: Iran will spare the lives of four people sentenced to death by stoning and will halt all such sentences pending a review of their cases, the judiciary said on Tuesday.

Isna news agency quoted judiciary spokesman Alireza Jamshidi as saying: "The issued verdicts for all of these cases will not be carried out for now."

Two people sentenced to death by stoning will instead serve 10 years in jail according to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's orders, Jamshidi said.

A state broadcaster, IRIB, said two others would face lashes instead following a review.

The number of people facing stoning sentences is unknown, but last month, defence lawyers said at least eight women and one man had received such sentences were to be executed at any time.

"In a few other cases, these people have asked for forgiveness and their request ... is under review," IRIB quoted Jamshidi as telling a news conference.