Iran Suspends Programmer's Death Sentence

jamaicaplain writes "Reuters reports that 'Iran has suspended the death sentence for a computer programmer convicted on charges of running a pornographic website after he "repented for his actions," his lawyer was quoted as saying on Sunday. Saeed Malekpour, an Iranian citizen and Canadian resident, was arrested in 2008 while visiting relatives in Iran, according to Amnesty International. Although Iranian authorities accused him of running a pornography site, Amnesty has said the charges appear to stem from a software program created by Malekpour that was used without his knowledge to post pornographic images.'" It's not clear if he'll ever be released, however.

Comments

Re:Fundamental lack of intelligence

[bickerdyke]

Technically, it's sexual attractiveness. Charisma is just a generic term for someone that is sexually attractive as well as knowing how to use it to their advantage.

I think that's a bit short sighted. I think most people would agree that e.g. the Dalei Lama or Queen Elizabeth II are charismatic leaders, but would not rate them anywhere near "attractive"

But it's not completly unrelated.

Re:Islamic extremist values

[gaspyy]

You know what's funny? I notice the same attitude in US (I'm from Europe).

The American public is OK with movies showing all and any kind of violence - from "simple" headshots to horrific torture and mutilation. But when the same movie is showing some skin, they have to mention how disgusted they are. I just don't get it.

Simple lesson

[SmallFurryCreature]

Don't visit any Muslim country, EVER! For that matter, never ever visit any country where the local laws and your history and lifestyle conflict. Don't drink in an alcohol free country. Not even if it is offered.

Don't smuggle or use Drugs in the US of A not even if some states now allow it. As a foreigner, no local senator is going to burn his fingers on you to get you free from the federal government.

Don't take "teen" porn into a nation that has higher age limits for porn. Don't take manga/anime into such countries either, the laws might not be enforced always but you don't want to be the exception to the rule.

Yes it sucks but a foreign nation doesn't owe you anything. Right now in Saudi Arabia, a young foreign girl is in jail for life NOT because the COURT wants her to be in jail but because under Sharia law, until the parents of the baby she supervised when it died (at no fault of her) forgive her, she remains in jail. The police, medical examiners and court have said she is not to blame but Sharia law rules otherwise and if you go to such a backward place, you agree to be bound by it. So. DON'T.

And it ain't even hard stuff, do you know that on the whole it is not a good idea to "argue" with an American cop. In Holland it is perfectly normal. In the US? NO! And you might get away with it in a tourist trap but in a southern state?

99% of the time, nothing will happen and then it does and you get caned for dropping chewing gum on the sidewalk.

It is one of the things you got to consider really carefully when considering a job in another country, does that country legal system and culture conflict with yours? Both the US and Holland for instance got stoners but Dutch stoners don't risk jail with every joint. You might be going to work in an industry where drug use is considered normal but will that cop searching your car feel the same? Hell, even ordinary smokers better consider the smoking laws in a foreign country.

If you are one of those people who needs a beer at the end of the day, is a Muslim controlled country really worth it? If you want to wash your car on sundays better stay out of bible belt areas.

See this video: http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xh4tqg_top-gear-take-on-the-us-pt-2-close-call-crossing-alabama_auto

Are you gay, a liberal or have a brain? Stay out of the South, you are not welcome. Don't think New York, Philidelpia and LA are all of the US, some parts are as dangerous as the most backwards Muslim nations and worse. Because at least most Muslim nations are ruled by dictators who usually don't want trouble (Arab Spring so far has only made the Arab nations less liberal and less secular) and whose police (Turkey's military used to heavy handedly enforce its secular system as set up by Ata Turk, the democractic system so far is shifting the country to be a pure Muslim state instead) might not like your liberal arse but have strict orders not to allow stuff to happen unless someone in power needs an incident. No such protection exists in the deep South.

For that matter, any southern republican thinking about leaving for Australia because a black man is in the white house and you just hate that socialist Obamacare? Ooops, Australia is far more to the left then any part of the USA. For that matter, all western countries are. A redneck won't be at home anywhere else. Better realize that Philadelphia is redneck heaven before taking a job in Europe. Or you won't last long.

Be wary when travelling, you are entering an other countries legal system and culture and you don't want to be an example to other travellers.

Re:Simple lesson

[HungryHobo]

side note from a friend who almost got shot in the US: in some EU countries it's normal to get out of the car when you're pulled over.

In the US they'll shoot you.
Stay in the car, hands where they can see them, don't move a muscle or they'll kill you.

Re:Simple lesson

[Inda]

In the UK, if you've done nothing wrong, roll the window down 20mm, turn up your radio, smile with the biggest show of teeth possible. The copper will ask you to get out your car if it's raining, snowing, or the wind chill feels under -20c. Procede to walk around the copper's car kicking the tyres like an expert mechanic.

Always ask why you've been pulled over. Expect the answer to be "Just a routine check, sir". Follow that up with "Why can't you find a proper job?", "Haven't you got any real criminals to find?", or "Were you bullied as a child?". Expect 20 questions about coins in your wallet, silver foil in the footwell, and the reason you're talking so much. Spell your name when asked, even if it's a common name such as "Smith". Smoke'em if you've got 'em - Coppers love the smell. If the copper asks if it's OK for them to smoke, tell them no, as you've just given up, and you hate the smell. If they fake recognition by means of the question "Don't I know you?", reply with "I think I know your sister".

If you've done something wrong, get out the car. Keep the copper talking for as long a possible but don't talk about your crime. Try and confuse him (or her) by using long words such as "elaborate" and "concoction". "I don't know" is a perfectly valid answer.