Stonings could be designed to damage Khatami's image abroad

Amnesty International has expressed outrage at the reported event; western diplomats had already expressed concern to the Iranian authorities on the practice of stoning.

One newspaper said Mrs Ayyubi was washed, wrapped in a white shroud then carried on a stretcher to an open space in Teheran's Evin prison

Buried up to armpits

In accordance with Islamic prescription, she was then buried up to her armpits and stoned to death in the presence of judicial and prison officials.

She had been convicted of murdering her husband in complicity with her lover, who has been sentenced to hang.

It is the adultery that carries the stoning penalty for women. In May a woman who had been waiting on death row for eight years was stoned for "corruption on earth".

She had been found guilty of taking part in a pornographic film. Her execution was the first stoning for several years.

Hardline backlash

Coming shortly before the presidential election here, it raised suspicions that right-wing elements within the judiciary were trying to undermine the reformist president, Mohammed Khatami.

The parliament is dominated by reformists

By reasserting the hard line at home, they hope to damage the president's image and credentials abroad.

European Union diplomats lodged strong objections but were told to mind their own business.

Other embassies have also been following the case of Maryam Ayyubi with great concern.

Amnesty International expressed outrage at the reported stoning; and said it feared that further similar executions might be on the way.