Who Is Najmeh Amini? 23-Year-Old Iranian Woman Sentenced to Death Over Social Media Post

A 23-year-old Iranian accounting student, Najmeh Amini, has been sentenced to death for alleged blasphemy over a social media post, drawing criticism from human rights organisations amid concerns over freedom of expression in Iran. The sentence, reportedly issued on September 16, 2026, remains subject to appeal before Iran’s Supreme Court.

Who Is Najmeh Amini?

Najmeh Amini is a 23-year-old accounting student from Mashhad, a city in north-eastern Iran. She is currently being held at Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, according to reports by human rights monitors.

Amini was arrested during anti-government protests in January 2026. Her case later drew international attention after she disclosed in an audio message from prison that she had received a death sentence.

In the message, she appealed to human rights organisations, lawyers and international bodies to examine her case and help secure a fair legal process.

Why Has Najmeh Amini Been Sentenced to Death?

Amini was convicted of sabb al-nabi, an offence under Iranian law relating to insulting the Prophet Muhammad. The case concerns a social media post that authorities allegedly considered blasphemous. The exact contents of the post have not been publicly disclosed in the reports available.

Iranian law allows the death penalty for certain blasphemy offences. Human rights monitors have raised concerns about the severity of the sentence and its implications for online expression.

According to reports, Amini argued that the remarks were made unintentionally while she was experiencing hallucinations after consuming psychedelic mushrooms. The trial court rejected her defence.

Arrest During Anti-Government Protests

Amini was detained in Mashhad on January 31, 2026, during a period of widespread anti-government demonstrations. Reports indicate that Iran's security forces carried out arrests as authorities sought to suppress the protests.

Her case involved separate proceedings over alleged offences linked to national security and propaganda against the Iranian government. She reportedly received an additional prison sentence of 12 years, six months and one day in connection with those charges.

Human Rights Groups Raise Concerns

The death sentence has prompted concern among human rights organisations, including Norway-based Iran Human Rights. The group has called attention to the use of capital punishment in cases involving online expression and alleged blasphemy.

Rights advocates have urged the international community to follow Amini's case and press for safeguards against executions following proceedings that raise questions about due process.

The case has also renewed scrutiny of restrictions on social media and public expression in Iran, where blasphemy-related charges can carry severe penalties.

Can Najmeh Amini's Death Sentence Be Appealed?

The death sentence is not yet final. Reports indicate that Amini can challenge the ruling before Iran's Supreme Court, which could review the decision.

Until the appeal process concludes, the sentence should not be treated as a confirmed execution order that has exhausted all legal remedies. The outcome of any appeal will determine the next stage of her case.