The dispute between Europe and Iran over Sakineh’s conviction has become overt: for Barroso the stoning is “barbaric” and forTeheran the woman is a murderer. In Strasbourg, the European Commission President said that the stoning of the 43-year-old Iranian woman is “barbaric beyond words”. Iran has immediately replied via its Foreign Ministry spokesman urging the international community not to meddle in the internal affairs of their country and adding the”Unfortunately other countries are defending a person who is being judged for murder and adultery.” .