Iran Proposes Death Penalty for Apostates

Iran's Parliament is discussing a proposal calling for the death penalty for Muslims who leave Islam:

"Tehran, 19 March (AKI) - In its first session since last week's general elections, the new Iranian parliament is expected to discuss a law that will condemn to death anyone who decides to leave the Muslim faith and convert to other religions."

"The parliament, also known as the Majlis, will debate the new law which has been presented by the government of President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad."

"Under the proposed law, anyone who is born to Muslim parents and decides to convert to another faith, will face the death penalty."

"Currently converts, particularly those who have decided to leave the Muslim faith for Evangelical churches, are arrested and then released after some years of detention."

Why the call for the death penalty (instead of just imprisonment) now?  Apparently, people are leaving the Islamic faith in droves in Iran.

"There has also been concern over fact that many young people in Iran have abandoned Islam because they're tired of the many restrictions imposed by the faith."

"According to unofficial sources, in the past five years, one million Iranians, particularly young people and women, have abandoned Islam and joined Evangelical churches."

And killing them is a solution?

I suppose if one follows this hadith, it is called for.

More specifics on the draft penal code and definitions of an apostate here.

"To dispel any confusion over the required punishment for apostasy, the draft code says outright that 'punishment for an Innate Apostate is death.' However, parental apostates do receive a slender reprieve: After sentencing, they have three days to recant their beliefs. If not, they will be executed according to their sentence."

"The code would also further erode the rights of minorities such as Bahá’ís or Christians by labeling them apostates. 'False prophets'—a term undefined in the code—are to be sentenced to death. Any Muslim who 'invents a heresy' or a sect contrary to Islam is also an apostate."

"....The code’s authors go even further, extending its jurisdiction beyond Iran’s borders to those acting 'against the government, the independence and the internal and external security of the country.' "

Like Iranian dissidents living in Europe and the United States?

Comments

[Amin]

I can't find out why you are telling these lies?
I am an Iranian and it seems you are speaking about another country.Are you?

[Miss Kelly]

Amin, Did you read the article I linked to?