Malek Ajdar Sharifi, who is a judicial official in the province where the woman was convicted, told the Iranian state news agency that her crimes were "various and very serious," and not limited to adultery, but that the sentence "will not be implemented for the time being," reports
ABC News.
He also said that Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani's stoning would still be carried out if the judiciary wanted, despite the "propaganda" from the West.
International human rights groups, along with the United Sates and Britain, have suggested Tehran not implement the penalty.
Human Rights Watch, who is publicizing Ashtiani's case, says that she was convicted in May 2006 for having an "illicit relationship" with two men after her husband had died. The court in Tabriz sentenced her to 99 lashes as punishment.
ABC News adds that She was later convicted of adultery, even after she retracted a confession, stating that it was made under duress.
When implementing the stoning, men are usually buried up to their waist, and women are buried up to their chest, with their hands buried as well. Those charged with carrying out the sentence throw stones at the condemned until he or she dies.
