An Iranian accounting student, Najmeh Amini, 23, has reportedly been sentenced to d+ath for blasphemy after allegedly ins¥lting the Prophet in a social media post.
According to reports, Amini was sentenced last month after spending eight months in Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. She was also handed a 12-year, six-month and one-day prison sentence for allegedly acting against national security and spreading anti-government propaganda.
Amini was arrested on January 31 following nationwide anti-government protests, during which security forces reportedly k+lled thousands and arrested tens of thousands, according to human rights groups.
Following her sentencing, a leaked voice recording reportedly made inside prison emerged, in which she appealed for help.
“I am an innocent girl, a young person with so many hopes and dreams. I have parents who are waiting for me,” she said, urging lawyers, human rights activists and international organisations to review her case.
“Remember my name; I may not be able to speak again,” she added, expressing hope of seeing a free Iran before her execution.
Iran Human Rights Monitor called for urgent international intervention, alleging that Amini had been detained arbitrarily and denied legal counsel.
Her sentencing comes amid growing concerns over Iran’s use of the d+ath penalty against people accused of offences linked to anti-government protests.
Amnesty International has also warned that dozens of people remain at risk of execution following trials it described as unfair.