Brief
On Wednesday, former President Donald Trump announced that Iran will not go through with plans to execute eight women associated with protests against the government. This decision came after Trump called for their release just a day earlier.
“Great news! I just learned that the eight women who were scheduled for execution tonight in Iran will be saved,” Trump shared on his Truth Social account. Reports indicate that four of the women will be freed right away, while the other four will serve a month in prison.
Trump expressed gratitude towards Iranian leaders for their decision, stating, “I appreciate that Iran and its leaders honored my request.”
In a previous post on Tuesday, Trump suggested that releasing the women could benefit Iran in upcoming negotiations, which were announced later that day, along with an extension of a ceasefire. He addressed Iranian leaders, urging them to show compassion: “Please do them no harm! It would be a great start to our negotiations!”
Iran’s judiciary responded quickly, denying claims of impending executions and stating that the women never faced such threats. Their official media outlet, Mizan Online, said, “Trump was misled by false news. The women facing charges will likely face imprisonment, not execution.”
According to human rights organizations, an Iranian female protester connected to recent protests had been sentenced to death, making it a notable case as the first publicly reported death penalty involving a woman. Bita Hemmati is among those mentioned in Trump’s announcement. She was originally sentenced along with her husband and neighbors for allegedly tossing objects and participating in anti-government activities.
The crackdown on dissent has intensified in Iran, and reports suggest thousands of protesters may have been killed since demonstrations began earlier this year.
