Iran’s Supreme Court upheld the death sentence against labor rights activist and human rights defender Sharifeh Mohammadi.
The Supreme Court had overturned an initial ruling in October 2024 because no connection between Mohammadi and armed groups could be proven. Nevertheless, the Revolutionary Court in Rasht imposed the death penalty again in February this year. Despite the continuing shortcomings, the 39th Chamber of the Supreme Court upheld the verdict last week.
Mohammadi’s conviction is based on her membership in the “Komiteye-Hamahangi” more than ten years ago, a legally recognized organization in Iran that supports the formation of interest groups and trade unions. Nevertheless, the regime’s judiciary accuses her of activities that endanger the state because she allegedly worked for the organization as a member of the Kurdish party Komala. Mohammadi rejects this, and Komala also denies that she was a member of the party.
The Yazidi Women’s Freedom Movement (TAJÊ) released a statement denouncing Iran’s oppressive policies against women, stating, “With its fascist and male-dominated mentality, the Iranian regime is implementing policies of oppression and torture against everyone who fights for truth and freedom. With these policies, Iran is acting as a representative of capitalist modernity against women’s resistance in the Middle East. A policy of gendercide is being carried out against women with free will, and Iran is leading the way in this regard.”
TAJÊ described Sharifeh Mohammadi as “a symbol of freedom and struggle” and called for greater resistance against the death sentence: “Our call is especially to all women who oppose the death penalty. Stand with Sharifeh Mohammadi against this decision. Sharifeh Mohammadi’s freedom is the freedom of all women. Everyone must fulfill their responsibility against this decision and rise up everywhere with the philosophy of ‘Jin Jiyan Azadî’ (Woman, Life, Freedom).”