The unlawful death sentence issued against the labour and women’s rights activist in Iran Sharifeh Mohammadi must be annulled

We, The Swedish Trade Union Confederation, are writing to urge you to take immediate action to annul the unlawful and inhumane death sentence issued and recently confirmed against Sharifeh Mohammadi, a respected labour and women’s rights activist in Iran.

On July 4, 2024, the First Branch of the Rasht Revolutionary Court sentenced Ms. Mohammadi to death on the fabricated charge of “Baghi” (rebellion). This cruel verdict was issued solely on the basis of her past membership, more than a decade ago, in the Coordinating Committee to Help Form Workers’ Organizations, a legitimate and independent labour organization. This charge is baseless, without any foundation in human or international law, and amounts to criminalizing legitimate labour activism.

The circumstances of Ms. Mohammadi’s detention and trial are deeply alarming:

• She was arrested on December 5, 2023, in Rasht, and held in solitary confinement for months.
• She endured severe torture on at least two occasions in order to force her to sign false confessions.
• She was denied contact with her family, including her young child, for prolonged periods. Even prison ocials objected to the intensity of her mistreatment, fearing for her life.
• She was deprived of the right to a fair trial, legal defense, and even the right to be present to defend herself in court.

Although the Supreme Court once overturned the initial ruling, the Rasht Revolutionary Court - this time under the authority of the son of the same judge - issued another death sentence in February 2025, and the 39th Branch of the Supreme Court has now confirmed this unlawful ruling.

This sentence has no basis in justice, legality, or humanity. We therefore call on your government to: 

1. Immediately annul the death sentence against Sharifeh Mohammadi.
2. Release her unconditionally and without delay.
3. End the persecution and imprisonment of labour, women’s, and civil rights activists in Iran.

Free Sharifeh Mohammadi Now!

The letter as pdf