Stop the executions. Overturn convictions based on torture and forced confessions. Free 13 women imprisoned in Iran!

Everyone has the right to life, freedom from torture, and a fair trial. These rights belong to everyone, regardless of their background, beliefs, or the accusations against them. We oppose the death penalty in all circumstances.

I am Taraneh Rahimi’s great-uncle, a member of Amnesty International, and a member of the initiative Frau.Leben.Freiheit.Karlsruhe. My great-niece is 20 years old and has been sentenced to death in Iran. Her twin sister, Romina, received a lengthy prison sentence.

For me, defending human rights is also deeply personal. Together with our initiative, I am calling for the protection of these women’s lives and freedom.

The Abdorrahman Boroumand Center has documented 13 cases of women sentenced to death in connection with protests, political activities, or so-called security charges. Several cases involve reports of torture, threats, and forced confessions. The Center also documents serious restrictions on access to an effective defence and grave procedural violations.

Some death sentences have been overturned and the cases referred for retrial. This does not mean the women have been released or are safe from further death sentences.

We stand in solidarity with:

Leila Abolhasani, Najmeh Amini, Pakhshan Azizi, Mahnaz Chardouli, Souda (Marzieh) Ebrahimi Shamsabadi, Arghavan Fallahi, Mozhdeh Hashemi Bazargani, Bita Hemmati, Maryam (Mahtab) Hodavand, Varisheh Moradi, Taraneh Rahimi, Mahboubeh Shabani, and Zahra Shahnaz Tabari.

We call on the Iranian authorities to:

1. Immediately halt all executions and overturn the death sentences imposed on these women.
2. Overturn all convictions based on torture or forced confessions and exclude such statements from evidence.
3. Immediately release all 13 women. Anyone detained solely for peacefully exercising their human rights must be released immediately and unconditionally.
4. Until their release, protect them from torture and ensure adequate medical care, access to lawyers of their choice, and contact with their families.
5. Independently investigate allegations of torture and hold those responsible accountable.

Any further prosecution must meet international fair trial standards and exclude the death penalty.

We call on the German Federal Government and the European Union to use all available diplomatic means to advance these demands.

To the imprisoned women and their families: You are not alone!

Sign and share this petition. Help make these women’s voices heard and stand up for human dignity, life, and freedom.

Mostafa Saeidi
Together with the initiative Frau.Leben.Freiheit.Karlsruhe

This petition is a personal initiative and is not an official Amnesty International petition.

Source for the 13 cases, with information dated 19 October 2026: Abdorrahman Boroumand Center.