RASHT / OSLO — The death sentence handed down to Iranian human rights defender and labor rights activist Sharifeh Mohammadi has been officially commuted to a 30-year prison sentence following an intervention by the Head of the Iranian Judiciary.
Confirming the development, her defense attorney, Amir Raesian, announced on social media:
« By decision of the honourable Head of the Judiciary, Ms Sharifeh Mohammadi’s death sentence has been commuted by one degree to first-degree imprisonment (30 years). Fortunately, the immediate risk of a tragedy has been averted, but we are still pursuing, through retrial or the application of Article 477 (judicial review), to have her conviction overturned and for her to be acquitted of the charge of baghy (armed rebellion). »
Case History & Detention Record
Sharifeh Mohammadi, a prominent labor advocate originally from Mianeh, Eastern Azerbaijan, was residing in Rasht prior to her arrest by Iranian security forces on December 5, 2023.
- Allegations of Abuse: Following her arrest, Mohammadi was held incommunicado in prolonged solitary confinement. Relatives reported she was subjected to severe physical and psychological torture aimed at extracting forced confessions.
- Peaceful Advocacy: Family members maintain that Mohammadi never engaged in armed rebellion, emphasizing that her legal troubles stemmed entirely from peaceful labor rights organizing.
Arrest & Incommunicado Detention
December 5, 2023
Sharifeh Mohammadi is arrested in Rasht and placed in solitary confinement under physical and psychological torture.
First Death Sentence
July 4, 2024
Branch One of the Rasht Revolutionary Court hands down a capital sentence on charges of baghy (armed rebellion).
Supreme Court Overturn
October 12, 2024
Branch 39 of the Supreme Court quashes the original death verdict and refers the case back to a court of equal standing for retrial.
Second Death Sentence
February 13, 2025
Branch Two of the Rasht Revolutionary Court re-imposes the death penalty upon retrial.
Sentence Commutation
October 29, 2025
The Head of the Judiciary commutes her capital conviction to 30 years’ first-degree imprisonment, averting immediate execution.
Defense Next Steps
While legal counsel welcomed the averting of an immediate execution, the defense team confirmed it will continue pursuing full acquittal via Article 477 judicial review procedures, asserting that her peaceful labor activism cannot legally support charges of armed rebellion against the state.