Iranian woman sentenced to death for social media post

Human rights organizations have expressed concern over the growing number of death sentences and executions in Iran, following reports that Najmeh Amini, a 23-year-old accounting student, has been sentenced to death for blasphemy over a social media post. Amini is being held in Vakilabad prison in Mashhad.

Amini faces separate charges from a revolutionary and a criminal court. The death sentence is for "sab ol-nabi" (insulting the prophet), according to a source close to her family who spoke to the Human Rights Activists in Iran (HRAI). In a second case, she received a sentence of 12 years, six months, and one day for charges including acting against national security and spreading propaganda against the regime.

She was arrested by security forces during nationwide protests in January. In an audio recording released from prison, Amini appealed for international intervention, stating, "I only want one thing: be my voice." She described herself as "an innocent young girl with so many hopes and dreams."

Rights groups warn that Iranian authorities are increasingly using capital punishment to instill fear and suppress dissent. According to Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO), over 600 executions have been carried out this year. Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, director of IHRNGO, called Amini's case a serious warning, stating that sentencing someone to death for a social media post risks normalizing the use of capital punishment against peaceful expression. He added that if the international community does not respond firmly, such cases could become more common.

Under Iran's Islamic penal code, insulting the prophet Muhammad or revered Shia figures is punishable by death, though exemptions exist for statements made without deliberate intent. Amini's defense argued she made the post while hallucinating after consuming psychedelic mushrooms, describing it as a "slip of the tongue." The presiding judge reportedly rejected this defense. Amini's death sentence is not final and can be appealed to the supreme court.

The sentencing comes as Iranian lawmakers consider criminalizing contact with foreign media. Another individual, identified as Elnaz, 24, who participated in the January protests, expressed fear of surveillance and arrest over social media activity, even on private accounts.