An Iranian court has sentenced 23-year-old accounting student Najmeh Amini to death over a social media post allegedly insulting the Prophet Muhammad. The case has drawn international attention, with human rights organisations raising concerns about freedom of expression and the use of capital punishment.
Amini is being held at Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, northeastern Iran. Her death sentence remains subject to appeal before Iran’s Supreme Court.
Court Rejects Woman’s Defence
According to reports, authorities charged Amini with sab al-nabi, an offence involving insulting the Prophet. The exact content of the social media post has not been made public.
Amini reportedly told the court that she posted the remarks while experiencing hallucinations after consuming psychedelic mushrooms with friends. Her defence described the comments as an accidental slip of the tongue.
However, the judge rejected this explanation and imposed the death sentence. Iran’s Islamic Penal Code provides for capital punishment for certain blasphemy offences.
Separate Prison Sentence in Another Case
Amini has also received a prison sentence of 12 years, six months and one day in a separate case. The charges reportedly include acting against national security and spreading propaganda against the government.
Authorities arrested her during nationwide anti-government protests in January 2026. Reports also indicate that Iran’s Cyber Police monitored her online activity before the blasphemy case proceeded.
Rights Groups Call for International Attention
Human rights organisations have criticised the sentence and called for action to protect Amini. Iran Human Rights warned that the case could expand the use of the death penalty against online expression.
In an audio recording reportedly released from prison, Amini appealed to the United Nations, lawyers and rights organisations for help.
“I do not want to make a hero out of myself today. I only want one thing: be my voice,” she said.
The organisation also reported that Iran had carried out more than 600 executions in 2026 by the time of its latest assessment. Amini’s case remains unresolved at the appeal stage. The outcome could determine whether the death sentence stands or the court revisits its decision.
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