We, the 23 independent Iranian women’s organizations, express our deep concern over the confirmation of the death sentence against Sharifeh Mohammadi, as we approach the third anniversary of the “Woman, Life, Freedom” uprising. We consider this sentence and other death penalties to be retaliatory actions by the Islamic Republic against women and men who actively oppose injustice and inequality and advocate for freedom.
Sharifeh Mohammadi, 45 years old, a prominent labor and women’s rights activist and mother of a 13-year-old son, is currently imprisoned in Lakan Prison in Rasht. She played a leading role in the civil struggle against capital punishment and in defense of labor and women’s rights. From inside prison, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the “No to Execution Tuesdays” campaign.
Sharifeh Mohammadi was arrested on December 5, 2023, by the agents of the Ministry of Intelligence and was held for months in solitary confinement without any access to her family. During this time, her loved ones were kept in the dark about her location and condition. After an unfair trial marked by torture and forced confessions, she was sentenced to death on July 4, 2024, on the vague charge of “rebellion” (baghi), a politically motivated tool used to suppress dissent.
Although Iran’s Supreme Court initially overturned the death sentence, it was reinstated on August 16, 2024. Since her arrest, Sharifeh has been subjected to torture, prolonged solitary confinement, and severe violations of her due process rights. Her conviction is solely based on her trade union activities and her advocacy for workers’ rights, actions which, under Iran’s international commitments to ILO Conventions 87 and 98, are supposed to be legal and protected.
Numerous trade unions, human rights organizations, and civil society groups inside and outside Iran have already condemned this ruling and demanded its immediate revocation. Among them are the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), Swedish Trade Union Confederation (LO), UNITE the Union (UK), Spanish trade union CCOO, WomenRadical, Amnesty International, and the UN Women’s Rights Network. These institutions have all emphasized that the sentence has no legal foundation and that Sharifeh’s life is in danger solely because she has defended the most basic human rights of workers and women.
We call on the international community, especially women’s and labor organizations worldwide, to join the growing chorus of voices demanding the immediate cancellation of Sharifeh Mohammadi’s death sentence. Only strong, collective, and sustained international pressure can prevent this unjust execution and save her life.
August 29, 2025
Together for Women’s Health Foundation
Free Iranian Women’s Association – Italy
Dallas Iranian Women’s Association
Iranian-German Women’s Association in Cologne, Germany
Iranian Women’s Association of Parto
Iranian Women’s Association Montreal
MeToo Movement Iran
Iranian Circle of Women for International Networking (ICWIN)
Women for Sustainable Freedom and Equality
Iranian Women Activists in Exile – Berlin
IKERO Women’s Rights Organization
IWIN Iranian Women in Network
The Organization for Emancipation of Women
Everyday Feminism
Forum of Iranian Women in Vienna
Collective of Woman, Life, Freedom – Rome
Campaign to Stop Honor Killings
Gender Equality Committee of Solidarity of Iranian Republicans
Left Unity of Women
Zanan Group in Northern California
Orange County Women’s Study Group
Mannav LGBTQ Community – Sweden
Iranian Women’s Assembly in Hanover