Concerns Rise for Women’s Rights Activists in Iran Amid Surge in Executions

Human rights organizations are increasingly alarmed for the safety of women’s rights activists imprisoned in Iran, following a notable rise in executions since the election of President Masoud Pezeshkian in July. As the second anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death approaches, fears mount that the Iranian government may escalate its crackdown on dissent, particularly against women who have been pivotal in the protests that erupted after Amini's death. Currently, around 70 women are reported to be political prisoners in Evin prison, with two facing death sentences. Among those at risk are Pakhshan Azizi, a Kurdish journalist, and Sharifeh Mohammadi, an industrial engineer and activist. The Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) has highlighted that many female political prisoners are being threatened with execution based on dubious charges. Hadi Ghaemi, CHRI's executive director, emphasized that the Iranian authorities are resorting to extreme measures to suppress the women’s movement, which continues to challenge the regime. Reports have emerged of brutal treatment within Evin prison, including injuries sustained by Narges Mohammadi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, after she protested against the execution of another inmate. Her family claims she collapsed following a violent altercation with guards. UN human rights experts have condemned the denial of adequate healthcare to these women, further exacerbating their plight. Both Azizi and Mohammadi were sentenced to death on charges of “armed rebellion against the state,” with Azizi alleging torture during her detention. A family member of Sharifeh expressed disbelief at the severity of the sentence, suggesting that the regime's actions are retaliatory against women who have been at the forefront of the Woman, Life, Freedom movement.