Trump Urges Iran to Spare Lives of Women Facing Execution Amid Protests
Trump's Call for Compassion
Former President Donald Trump has made a public appeal to Iran, urging the government to spare the lives of eight women who are reportedly at risk of execution. He suggested that releasing these women could serve as a goodwill gesture in anticipation of potential negotiations. In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed his hope for their safety and urged Iranian authorities to refrain from causing them harm. This situation has gained renewed attention amid Iran's ongoing crackdown on protests against the government that began earlier this year.
According to activist Eyal Yakoby and data gathered by the Lawfare Project along with various human rights organizations, the eight women identified so far include:
- Bita Hemmati – Detained during protests in January alongside her husband, she reportedly faces a death sentence. The Iranian opposition group NCRI claims she is charged with using explosives, throwing objects like concrete blocks, participating in protests, and endangering national security.
- Diana Taherabadi (16) – A minor allegedly arrested in January for her involvement in the protests.
- Mahboubeh Shabani (33) – Arrested in February, she is accused of aiding injured protesters, according to rights advocates.
- Ensieh Nejati – A Kurdish women's rights activist reportedly sentenced to death in early 2025; some reports indicate she is a mother of a young child.
- Ghazal Ghalandari
- Golnaz Naraghi (37) – An emergency medicine specialist believed to have been arrested during the protests.
- Venus Hossein Nejad – Allegedly taken from her workplace by security forces and coerced into confessing on state television.
- Panah Movahedi
Information regarding the last four women is scarce.
Understanding the Charges
The specific charges against these women are not well-documented. Bita Hemmati has the most detailed accusations against her, including the use of explosives and participation in protests that allegedly jeopardized national security. For the others, charges seem to broadly relate to their involvement in or support of anti-regime protests. Mahboubeh Shabani is specifically accused of helping injured demonstrators. Reports suggest that some women were compelled to make public confessions on state television.
However, verifying these claims independently is challenging. Iranian officials have not publicly acknowledged the names or details of these cases, and much of the information is sourced from opposition groups and human rights organizations.
Significance of the Situation
These cases are part of a broader crackdown following recent anti-government protests in Iran. Human rights organizations report that thousands have been arrested and hundreds executed in the early months of 2026. Iran has a longstanding history of denying claims of unfair trials and expedited death sentences. With tensions between the U.S. and Iran remaining elevated, Trump's public appeal has drawn attention to the plight of these women. It remains uncertain whether Iran will respond or even acknowledge these cases.