Iran Says Consular Access Granted To Detained Germans

A demonstrator holds up a picture of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani in front of the Iranian Embassy in Rome during a protest in September.

Iran says it has granted consular access to two arrested Germans who reportedly interviewed the son of a woman sentenced to death by stoning.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast told reporters the access was granted "following talks with German officials."

The Germans were arrested in the northwestern city of Tabriz on October 10 reportedly while interviewing the son of Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, who is facing death by stoning on charges of adultery.

The Germans entered the Islamic republic on tourist visas. Foreign reporters need special press visas to be able to work in Iran.

Since July, Iran has repeatedly said that the stoning sentence has been stayed pending a final decision, amid an international outcry over the case.

compiled from agency reports