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Iran revalues price of non-Muslim lives
Iran's reformist parliament has approved a draft law which puts the same "blood money" value on the lives of Muslim and non-Muslim men. In Iran, a killer can pay "blood money" to his victim's family to avoid execution. Under Islamic law, the compensation for a non-Muslim man is one-twelfth that paid for a Muslim. The rate for Muslim women is half that of men. The new measure - which also must be approved by the conservative Guardian Council - is reportedly supported by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say on all state matters. The new law will apply to men from Iran's recognised religious minorities: Christians, Jews and Zoroastrians. Agnostics, atheists, Hindus, and Buddhists are out of luck... The value of a woman will not change, however some female lawmakers are pressing for the similar "blood money" rights. "Paying half blood money to... women citizens does harm Iran's international image," said Elaheh Koulaee, MP. It's my opinion that retaining the practice of blood money does harm to Iran's international image. Thanks to Steve for the link... Posted by: Fred Pruitt 2002-11-05 |
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