Woman facing death for prostitution ‘not mentally disabled’

IRANIAN judiciary officials yesterday denied reports that a young woman, who has been sentenced to death for prostitution, is mentally disabled.

Leyla Mafi, aged 21, was sentenced more than a year ago by a court in Arak, central Iran, for having illegal sex. The death verdict is now being reviewed by the Supreme Court, Mohammad Hossein Pourianmehr said yesterday.

Hanging is the usual form of execution in Iran.