Iranian TV screens 'confession' of woman sentenced to die by stoning

Her case has attracted concern in the UK and United States, an offer of asylum from Brazil and international protests.

Human Rights Watch says Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, 43, was first convicted in May 2006 of having an "illicit relationship" with two men after the death of her husband and was sentenced by a court to 99 lashes.

Later that year she was also convicted of adultery and sentenced to be stoned, even though she retracted a confession that she claims was made under duress.

Iran last month lifted the stoning sentence for the time being after international outrage.

Ashtiani has also been convicted of involvement in the death of her husband, whom Iranian prosecutors say was murdered. She could face execution by hanging.

Iranian officials have not elaborated on the murder case.

The outcry over the death sentence is the latest source of friction between Iran and the international community. Brazil, which has friendly relations with Iran, offered asylum to the mother of two.

The broadcast of the purported confession late on Wednesday was seen as an effort by Iran to ward off international pressure and possibly to draw attention to the murder allegation, a crime punishable by death in the US and other countries as well.

The woman identified as Ashtiani said in the broadcast she was an unwitting accomplice to her husband's murder. Her face was blurred and an unseen woman translated her words into Farsi from Azeri Turkish, which is spoken in parts of Iran.