United Nations human rights experts have voiced serious concern over the Iranian Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the death sentence of Pakhshan Azizi, a Kurdish activist. This verdict has been criticized as being a severe breach of international human rights laws.
Azizi’s case has drawn international attention due to allegations that her conviction was influenced by her legitimate activities as a social worker. These activities included significant support for refugees in Iraq and Syria. UN experts have asserted that the charges brought against her fail to meet the accepted international standards for the “most serious crimes” that warrant capital punishment. Furthermore, they pointed out that Azizi’s confession, allegedly obtained through torture, and her denied right to a fair trial render the ruling unjust.
Pakhshan Azizi, known for her advocacy for women’s rights and gender equality, was apprehended by Iranian intelligence forces in August 2023. She and several of her family members were reportedly detained in Tehran. During her time in Evin Prison, Azizi faced solitary confinement for five months, with reports indicating she was subjected to both psychological and physical torture aimed at coercing a confession. The charges against her include alleged affiliation with the Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK) and accusations of “armed insurrection” and “membership in opposition groups”—charges she denies.
The Iranian judiciary upheld the death sentence in January 2025, leading to widespread condemnation from both international observers and local activists. Kurdish women activists held protests, such as the one on January 15 before the Kurdistan Provincial Governor’s office, demanding that Azizi’s death sentence be reversed and calling for the release of all political and religious prisoners.
The case of Pakhshan Azizi has become emblematic of the broader crackdown on dissent and the tightening grip on human rights defenders within Iran. Reports, alongside statements from organizations such as Amnesty International, continue to highlight the challenges faced by women activists in the region, particularly those advocating for personal freedoms and rights. This includes instances of harassment, legal challenges, and sometimes severe punitive actions against those who defy traditional norms and push for change.