Nazanin Fatehi, the teenage Iranian girl on trial for her life (for the crime of defending herself and a niece from gang rape), has been acquitted of the murder charge—but the Islamic court ruled that she must now pay “blood money” to the family of the would-be rapist. (Hat tip: Gateway Pundit.)

Nazanin Afshin-Jam and Mina Ahadi spoke with Nazanin Fatehi’s lawyers today regarding her retrial that took place on January 10th 2007.

They have received verbal confirmation from the court that she will be exonerated from the charge of murder. The incident that took place in March 2005 has been recognized as an act of self-defense, however the court has ruled that disproportionate force was used by Nazanin while trying to defend herself and her 15-year old niece. Accordingly, they have asked Nazanin to pay “dieh” (blood money) to receive a pardon from the family of the deceased. Once this amount is paid, Nazanin can be released from prison.

Shadi Sadr and Mr. Mostafaei, Nazanin Fatehi’s laywers, are appealing this blood money because they believe that Nazanin is innocent for acting in self-defense and therefore she should not have to pay any money. Unfortunately, this appeal may take several months, so in the meantime arrangements may be made to have Nazanin released from prison by paying “bail” money into court.