Iran revalues price of non-Muslim lives

Public executions in Iran are seen as a deterrent

Iran's reformist parliament has approved a draft law which puts the same "blood money" value on the lives of Muslim and non-Muslim men.

Hardline clerics have a huge influence in the country

In Iran, a killer can pay "blood money" to his victim's family to avoid execution.

Under Islamic law, the compensation for a non-Muslim man is one-twelfth that paid for a Muslim. The rate for Muslim women is half that of men.

The new measure - which also must be approved by the conservative Guardian Council - is reportedly supported by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say on all state matters.

Calls for changes

The new law will apply to men from Iran's recognised religious minorities: Christians, Jews and Zoroastrians.

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The value of a woman will not change, however some female lawmakers are pressing for the similar "blood money" rights.

"Paying half blood money to...women citizens does harm Iran's international image," said Elaheh Koulaee, MP.

Some MPs said they would be pressing for equality for non-Muslims in other areas - like the right to testify in Islamic courts or to be employed in government organisations.

Iran's laws have kept an old Islamic definition of "blood money" as one of the following: 100 camels, 200 cows, 1,000 sheep, 200 silk dresses, 1,000 gold coins or 10,000 silver coins.

But the authorities have also set a cash equivalent of 150 million rials ($18,750) to simplify matters.