Iranian judiciary released an official statement denying claims made by US President Donald Trump and activists that eight women under detention from recent protests were facing capital punishment.
The judiciary, through its media arm, Mizan Online, described the reports as ‘fake news’. Authorities explained that some of the detained women were already released while the rest were undergoing legal proceedings that would not result in executions.
The initial claims gained international traction after Trump appealed to Tehran for the women’s freedom through a post on X via the official handle of The White House.
“To the Iranian leaders, who will soon be in negotiations with my representatives: I would greatly appreciate the release of these women. I am sure that they will respect the fact that you did so. Please do them no harm! Would be a great start to our negotiations!!!”
Iranian activist Masih Alinejad later shared the names of the women, one of them believed to be sixteen years old.
Concerns raised by human rights groups
Rights groups highlighted the cases of the eight women, including their charges and potential punishments.
Among them was Bita Hemmati who was reported to be charged for attacking security officials during protests in the capital. Hemmati had appeared in a televised interrogation conducted by judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei.
The detainees included Mahboubeh Shabani, aged 32, who was charged with ‘waging war against God’. Activists allege the charge is connected to her perceived role in assisting injured protesters in Mashhad by transporting them on her motorcycle. She is currently in custody in Vakilabad Prison with the charges likely carrying the death penalty as per reports.
International human rights organisations such as Iran Human Rights and Together Against the Death Penalty raised concerns over Iran’s execution records through the years. Their data found that at least 1,639 executions were carried out in 2025 which included 48 women.
Activists accused Iran of using capital punishment to prevent dissent as tensions with the US and Israel continue to escalate. Iranian authorities reinforced that legal processes were being followed and denied allegations of unfairly targeting protesters.
