Student Najmeh Amini Sentenced to Death After 8 Months in Detention

Najmeh Amini, a 23-year-old accounting student arrested Jan 31, 2026 at Ferdowsi Bazaar in Mashhad amid beatings by security forces, was sentenced to death on Sep 16 by Branch 6 of Mashhad's Revolutionary Court, plus a separate 12-year-6-month prison term. Charges included 'moharebeh' (enmity against God), 'cooperation with Israel,' insulting the Prophet and the Supreme Leader, and clashing with security agents. Rights groups documented denial of a lawyer of her choosing, prolonged isolation, and reports of coerced-confession risk. On Sep 18 she transmitted an audio message from Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad appealing for international attention to her case.