Iran Declines Stoning Asylum Offer

Iran has declined Brazil's offer to grant asylum to a woman sentenced to death for adultery. But this issue has raised serious concerns in the international community.

It is an offer Iran refused.

In an interview in Tehran, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad declined Brazil's offer to grant asylum to a woman sentenced to death by stoning for adultery, with the Iranian President saying quote, " there is no need to create some trouble for President Lula and take her to Brazil."

International outcry has erupted over Iranian woman Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, who had been sentenced to stoning after being convicted of quote "adultery while being married."

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva' -- who has close relations with Ahmadinejad -- offered asylum to the woman earlier this month.

"It is natural that for an individual in our country -- who has committed a crime -- to be punished accordingly, especially if the crime is murder. No one can protect a murderer, or even mention the topic of asylum for her. We believe that the officials of Brazil are looking at this from a humane perspective -- and due to their close allegiance with us -- they have proposed this offer. However with the latest intelligence at their disposal, they will reach the conclusion that the West is using this as an opportunity to plot against the good relationship between us and countries such as Brazil and Turkey."

Ashtiani was convicted in 2006 of having a quote "illicit relationship" with two men and received 99 lashes as her sentence, according to Amnesty International.

She was subsequently convicted of adultery and sentenced to death by stoning.

Tehran has suspended the sentence, pending a review by the country's judiciary -- but it could still be carried out, according to Iranian officials.