Iran's Supreme Court Upholds Death Sentence for Activist Sharifeh Mohammadi Despite Global Outcry

Iranian Activist Sharifeh Mohammadi Faces Imminent Execution Despite International Outcry TEHRAN, IRAN - August 2025 - Sharifeh Mohammadi, a 46-year-old Iranian activist and engineer, has been sentenced to death for the third time in less than a year by Iran's Supreme Court. The ruling, which upholds her conviction for "armed rebellion against the state," has sparked international condemnation and raised concerns about the country's human rights record. According to lawyer Marzieh Mohebi, who spoke with DW from exile in France, Iranian criminal law allows judges to interpret vague language to justify death sentences for a wide range of offenses. "The relevant articles of the law are so vaguely worded that judges can apply them to almost any form of protest or political activity," Mohebi explained. Mohammadi's case began in December 2023 when she was arrested and charged with membership in an "opposition group." As a member of a committee for the formation of labor organizations in Rasht, a northern Iranian coastal city on the Caspian Sea, Mohammadi had been advocating for workers' rights. Her activism brought her to the attention of authorities, who view such groups as threats to national security. Mohammadi's first death sentence was handed down in 2024, but it was overturned by an appeals court. However, a second sentence was issued in early 2025, and this August, the Supreme Court upheld the ruling once again. Her family, including her 13-year-old son, has been left reeling from the latest development. The international community has expressed outrage over Mohammadi's case, with human rights groups calling for her immediate release. The European Union, the United States, and other countries have issued statements condemning Iran's use of capital punishment against activists and protesters. As the world watches, Mohammadi's fate remains uncertain. Her lawyer, Mohebi, has vowed to continue fighting for her client's freedom, despite the challenges posed by Iran's restrictive laws and judicial system. "We will do everything in our power to ensure that Sharifeh's rights are respected and that she is treated fairly," Mohebi said. The case of Sharifeh Mohammadi serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by activists and dissidents in countries with repressive regimes. As AI-powered tools become increasingly prevalent, they also raise important questions about the role of technology in promoting human rights and accountability. Background: Iran has one of the highest rates of executions per capita in the world. According to Amnesty International, at least 251 people were executed in Iran in 2024 alone. The country's use of capital punishment has been widely criticized by international human rights organizations. Additional Perspectives: Dr. Narges Mohammadi, a prominent Iranian human rights activist and sister of Sharifeh Mohammadi, spoke with DW about the case. "My sister's conviction is a clear example of Iran's willingness to silence dissent through arbitrary arrests and executions," she said. "We will continue to fight for her freedom and for the rights of all Iranians who are persecuted by this regime." Current Status: Sharifeh Mohammadi remains in prison, awaiting the outcome of her appeal. Her lawyer has announced plans to file a new petition with the Supreme Court, arguing that the death sentence is unjustified. As the international community continues to monitor the situation, one thing is clear: Sharifeh Mohammadi's case highlights the urgent need for reform and accountability in Iran's judicial system. *Reporting by Dw.*