To Mrs Viviane Reding European Commission Vice-President in Charge of Justice, Fundamental Rights and Citizenship

To: Mrs Viviane RedingEuropean CommissionVice-President in Charge of Justice, Fundamental Rights and CitizenshipDear Viviane,Please accept my warmest congratulations on the successful adoption of the new gender equality strategy. Having worked with you for five years I am fully aware of your sensibility, courage and effectiveness in every activity you undertake. I would like to suggest and support your intervention in the Sakineh Mohammandi Astiani’s case in Iran, both as a former EU Commissioner for gender equality, among others, and as a woman. I am certain we both share the belief that as women in politics we have a duty to support and strengthen even further the stated opposition of millions of citizens worldwide. Such an extreme and at the same time symbolic act against a woman deserves a formal and firm reaction. This could be done with the foremost respect of the culture, ethics and institutions of each country. Sakineh Mohammandi Astiani’s sentence should not be executed, not because western ethics may dictate it, but as a national demonstration of Islamic tolerance and grandeur. The leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran is asked to pardon the mother of two children and not worsen, even further the dramatic circumstances they are experiencing. In doing so, he will follow a path, set by great leaders, who in difficult times manage to lead their countries to a brighter future. This is indeed an excellent opportunity for Islam to fulfill its role and presence in a modern world. In addition, it would silence the criticism of those who seek the opportunity to turn people against Islam. On your initiative, a petition calling for immediate intervention by the President of Iran could be circulated and signed by all current and former EU women Commissioners and women with political voice and influence in the world, Europe and their respective countries. Warm regards, Anna Diamantopoulou