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Iran Lawyer Escapes to Turkey

An Iranian lawyer, Mohamed Mostafaei, who defended an Iranian woman who had been sentenced to be stoned to death in Iran, has fled the country to escape to Turkey. According to the UN refugee agency, the lawyer disappeared in July after being summoned for questioning in Tehran. Mr Mostafaei is a well-known critic of the Iranian judicial system, as he recently defending Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, the mother-of-two who was facing execution by stoning for adultery. Although he managed to the stoning penalty was lifted, she may still be executed by hanging. Metin Corabatir, spokesman for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Turkey, said Mr Mostafaei was in custody there and had applied for asylum in Turkey.