A dramatic turn unfolded as former U.S. President Donald Trump announced Iran would halt the planned execution of eight women accused of protesting against the government. The announcement came via a post on social media, claiming the women were scheduled to face execution that very night.
Trump stated that four of the women would be released outright, while the remaining four would receive a one-month prison sentence. He expressed gratitude to Iran and its leaders for acknowledging his request as President and averting the executions.
The initial plea for the women’s release was made a day earlier, with Trump amplifying a post from a pro-Israel activist. However, Iranian officials swiftly responded, asserting that reports of imminent executions were inaccurate and that some of the women had already been released.
Among those identified was Bita Hemmati, a demonstrator involved in earlier anti-government protests. She faced severe accusations, including the use of explosives and attacks on security forces, according to reports from human rights organizations.
The case is further complicated by the fate of Hemmati’s husband, Mohammadreza Majid Asl, who also received a death sentence, alongside two other men residing in the same building. Concerns have been raised about potential forced confessions obtained through intense interrogation.
Other women facing potential execution included Diana Taherabadi, a 16-year-old, and Mahboubeh Shabani, 33, both arrested for resisting the regime. Ensieh Nejati, a Kurdish women’s rights activist, had already been sentenced to death the previous year.
The crackdown on nationwide protests in Iran has been extensive, with reports indicating over 50,000 arrests. The death toll attributed to the government’s response is staggering, reaching at least 6,159 people, according to human rights groups.
Recent reports highlight a disturbing trend of escalating executions in Iran. Last year alone, at least 1,639 people were put to death, with the death penalty frequently employed as a tool for political oppression, disproportionately affecting ethnic minorities and marginalized communities.
While many executions are linked to drug-related offenses or murder, a significant number – at least 57 – were carried out for security-related charges. This included protesters, political prisoners, and individuals accused of espionage or financial corruption, revealing a pattern of repression.
