In a deeply alarming turn of events, labor activist Sharifeh Mohammadi, whose death sentence was previously overturned by Iran’s Supreme Court, has once again been condemned to death by the Islamic Republic. Simultaneously, the Supreme Court has upheld the death sentence of Pakhshan Azizi, a Kurdish civil and social activist, leaving both women at imminent risk of execution. Adding to the urgency, another Kurdish political prisoner, Warisheh Moradi, also faces the threat of capital punishment.
In response to this escalating crisis, 228 Iranian lawyers have signed a statement addressed to Judiciary Chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, denouncing the death sentences imposed on Azizi, Moradi, and Mohammadi. Meanwhile, prominent human rights activist Nasrin Sotoudeh and Iranian theologian Sedigheh Vasmaghi have issued a separate statement for public endorsement, urging collective action to halt the executions.
In their letter, the lawyers emphasise the fundamental contradiction between the issuance of death sentences and the principles of human rights, as well as Iran’s international obligations. They argue that capital punishment—especially in cases plagued by legal ambiguities and procedural flaws—not only fails to deliver justice but also represents a blatant violation of human rights.
The statement further asserts:
"In the cases of Ms. Pakhshan Azizi, Ms. Warisheh Moradi (Mirzaei), and Ms. Sharifeh Mohammadi, there have been serious irregularities and shortcomings in the investigation process, access to legal counsel, examination of evidence, and the impartiality of judicial proceedings. Any rushed execution of these sentences would violate the right to a fair defense and undermine the principles of justice."
The lawyers conclude with a stark warning: “The issuance and confirmation of death sentences for these three women will not only deepen psychological insecurity and public distrust in the criminal justice system but also inflict irreparable harm on national solidarity and exacerbate feelings of discrimination among Kurdish citizens.”
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Setoudeh and Vasmaghi’s statement condemns the death sentences, describing them as “a clear act of retribution against the Women, Life, Freedom movement.”
The Iranian Writers’ Association in Tehran has also released another strongly worded statement, expressing grave concern over the imminent executions of these three women. It declares:
"Since its inception, the Islamic Republic of Iran has never ceased its horrific and abhorrent cycle of executions."
The statement continues:
“The Iranian Writers’ Association remains steadfast in its opposition to the death penalty. The sentencing of Pakhshan Azizi, Warisheh Moradi, Sharifeh Mohammadi, Behrouz Ehsani, Mehdi Hassani, Manouchehr Fallah, and Pejman Soltani is undeniable evidence of the regime’s tyranny and its relentless assault on freedom.”
Hadi Ghaemi, Director of the Iran Human Rights Campaign, warns:
"Three female political prisoners are now facing imminent execution, and time is running out to save the lives of Sharifeh Mohammadi, Pakhshan Azizi, and Warisheh Moradi."
He stressed that the international community must act immediately to overturn these death sentences, urging sustained and intensified pressure on Iranian authorities to “halt these unjust rulings.”
Despite extensive efforts by the international community, civil society activists, and human rights organizations, attempts to overturn their sentences have so far been unsuccessful.
