Top Stories,Iran: UN experts alarmed as Supreme Court upholds death sentence of Kurdish woman activist


UN Experts Alarmed as Iran’s Supreme Court Upholds Death Sentence of Kurdish Woman Activist

Published: 2025-01-14 12:00

Tehran, Iran – United Nations human rights experts have expressed alarm over the Supreme Court of Iran’s decision to uphold the death sentence of a Kurdish woman activist, Zahra Sedighi Hamedani.

Hamedani, 31, was sentenced to death in October 2022 for allegedly “waging war against God” and “corruption on Earth.” The charges stem from her alleged participation in demonstrations against the Iranian government in 2018.

The Supreme Court’s decision came despite international outcry and calls for Hamedani’s release. In a statement, the UN experts said they were “gravely concerned” by the court’s ruling.

“The death sentence against Ms. Hamedani is a clear violation of international law,” said Agnès Callamard, UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions. “Her rights to a fair trial and due process have been egregiously violated.”

Hamedani’s lawyer, Mohammadreza Faqihi, told reporters that his client had been tortured during her detention and that her confession was obtained under duress. He said he would continue to appeal the sentence.

Hamedani’s case has sparked widespread outrage in Iran and around the world. Human rights groups have condemned the Iranian government’s use of the death penalty against political dissidents.

“The Iranian authorities are using the death penalty as a political tool to silence dissent,” said Hadi Ghaemi, executive director of the Center for Human Rights in Iran. “Zahra Sedighi Hamedani is a political prisoner who should be released immediately.”

The UN experts called on the Iranian government to halt Hamedani’s execution and to “release her unconditionally.” They also urged the international community to “take all necessary steps to prevent this grave injustice.”

Hamedani’s death sentence comes amidst a broader crackdown on dissent in Iran. In recent months, the Iranian government has arrested and detained numerous activists, journalists, and human rights defenders.


Iran: UN experts alarmed as Supreme Court upholds death sentence of Kurdish woman activist

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