University Student in Iran Sentenced to Death Over Social Media Post

In Iran, 23-year-old university student Najmeh Amini has been sentenced to death and more than 12 years in prison on charges of 'insulting the prophet' and anti-regime propaganda over a social media post she made.

Details of the Court Ruling

Accounting student Najmeh Amini is being held at Vakilabad Prison in the northeastern city of Mashhad. Amini was handed the death penalty as well as a prison sentence of over 12 years in two separate trials held at the Revolutionary Court and the criminal court.

Charges and Prison Sentences

According to the US-based Human Rights Activists in Iran, the young woman was sentenced to death on the charge of sab ol-nabi, meaning insulting the prophet. In the second trial, she received 12 years, six months, and one day in prison for engaging in activities against national security and conducting propaganda against the regime.

Detention Process and Appeals

Amini was detained by security forces during anti-government protests held across Iran in January. Last month, in an audio recording released from prison, the young woman called on the United Nations, lawyers, and human rights organizations to review her case.

Legal Status and Defense

Under Iran's Islamic Penal Code, insulting the prophet can be punished with the death penalty. Although Amini argued in court that she made the post while experiencing hallucinations, this defense was not accepted, and the ruling has not yet been finalized.