New Delhi: Iran has denied US President Donald Trump’s claims that eight women who were arrested over last year’s protests are likely to be executed and said that some of the women have already been released, and only one has been sentenced to death.
Trump had earlier said that the eight women were at risk of execution and urged Tehran to release them to help negotiations.
Refuting Trump’s claim, Iran judiciary’s official Mizan Online website said that at least one woman arrested over the January protests has been sentenced to death, while at least one more is facing charges that carry the death penalty and could see her executed.
“Trump was misled once again by fake news. “The women who were claimed to be on the verge of execution, some of them have been released, while others face charges that, if convictions are upheld, would at most result in imprisonment,” it said.
The US President had reposted an activist’s claim that eight women were facing death by hanging. The post did not mention names but carried photographs of the women.
“I would greatly appreciate the release of these women,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“To the Iranian leaders, who will soon be in negotiations with my representatives: I would greatly appreciate the release of these women. I am sure that they will respect the fact that you did so. Please do them no harm! Would be a great start to our negotiations!!!” – President… pic.twitter.com/pxU8xZFvAh
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 21, 2026
US-based Iranian dissident Masih Alinejad posted the names of all eight women on her X account and alleged that one of those held was as young as 16.
Iranian authorities arrested several people in connection with the January protests, which activists say were detained in a major crackdown that left thousands dead. The nationwide protests that began in December last year and continued till January saw several people being held in a violent crackdown. Rights groups claimed that Iranian authorities killed thousands of protesters to instil fear throughout society