The Revolutionary Court of Rasht has once again issued the death sentence for Sharifeh Mohammadi, a labor activist imprisoned in Lakan Prison, Rasht. According to the ruling, issued by Judge Darvish Goftar, the head of the Revolutionary Court of Rasht, and communicated to her lawyers, Sharifeh Mohammadi has been sentenced to death on the charge of “rebellion through membership in one of the opposition groups.”
Overturning of the Previous Ruling and Re-referral of the Case
Previously, the death sentence for Sharifeh Mohammadi had been overturned by Branch 39 of the Supreme Court, and her case was referred to a parallel branch. However, the court has now reaffirmed her death sentence.
Arrest and Torture for Forced Confession
Sharifeh Mohammadi was arrested by security forces on December 5, 2023, and was held in solitary confinement for several months. Initially, she was charged with “propaganda against the regime,” but later, judicial authorities changed the charge to “rebellion.” During her detention, she was subjected to severe physical and psychological torture to extract forced confessions.
Review of the Trial Process
Previously, Sharifeh Mohammadi was charged in the Fourth Interrogation Branch of the Rasht Prosecutor’s Office, under the supervision of Investigator Rajabi, with “propaganda against the regime,” “actions against national security,” and “rebellion through membership in opposition groups.” However, her trial has been widely condemned by human rights organizations for failing to meet fair trial standards and lacking substantial evidence.
The international community, human rights organizations and labor institutions must put pressure on the Iranian government to abolish the death sentence of Sharifeh Mohammadi and her immediate release. The arrest and repression of trade union and civil society activists must be stopped and their fundamental rights must be respected in accordance with international obligations. Silence in the face of such rulings will pave the way for the continuation of widespread human rights abuses.
