The stoning death sentence imposed on Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtian, the woman convicted of adultery and murder, has been put on hold.

An Iranian Foreign ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said that Mohammadi Ashtiani was guilty of murder and adultery but said the sentence to death by stoning, which drew global condemnation, was reviewed and put on hold.

"Defending a person on trial for murder should not be turned into a human rights matter. The sentencing of Ms. Ashtiani for adultery has been stopped and is being reviewed again, and her sentencing for complicity in murder is in process," The Telegraph quoted him, as saying.

Mehmanparast said people sympathetic to Ashtiani's plight should consider the bereaved relatives of her murder victim.(ANI)