Amnesty International: Sharifeh Mohammadi's Trial Was 'Severely Unjust'; Death Sentence Must Be Revoked

Amnesty International criticized the death sentence issued for Sharifeh Mohammadi, a jailed civil activist, describing her trial as 'severely unjust' and emphasizing that her statements regarding torture and mistreatment were never investigated. In a statement on Tuesday, September 10, the international human rights organization announced that the Islamic Revolutionary Court of Gilan sentenced Sharifeh Mohammadi to death 'solely in relation to her peaceful human rights activities.' She is recognized as a workers' rights activist, women's rights advocate, and a defender of the abolition of the death penalty. Amnesty International called for the revocation of the sentence, cessation of any plans for execution, and her release. The organization also deemed it essential to conduct 'independent, effective, and impartial' investigations into her claims of torture and called for accountability in fair courts for those responsible. Sharifeh Mohammadi was arrested in December of last year and sentenced to death on July 4, 2023, by the Islamic Revolutionary Court of Rasht on charges of 'rebellion.' This sentence was based on allegations from the Ministry of Intelligence of the Islamic Republic regarding her membership in 'Komala,' which has been vehemently denied by Mohammadi, her husband, and the Komala Party. Previously, the campaign defending Sharifeh Mohammadi reported that she had been tortured in the detention center of the Ministry of Intelligence in Sanandaj. Many activists and human rights organizations, labor organizations, and unions worldwide, along with several Iranian activists, condemned the death sentence for Mohammadi. Additionally, the campaign defending Sharifeh Mohammadi reported her mother's transfer to the hospital due to a heart condition. UN experts have warned about the 'sharp increase in executions' in Iran, stating that these punishments are 'illegal.' The campaign also announced that a letter requesting the revocation of her death sentence was registered with the UN Secretary-General's office, amid concerns from human rights organizations about further executions as the second anniversary of Mahsa Amini's death approaches.