Trump’s Message to Iran Leaders on Truth Social
In a post on Truth Social, Trump addressed Iranian leaders directly, asking them to spare the detainees, saying, “To the Iranian leaders, who will soon be in negotiations with my representatives: I would greatly appreciate the release of these women,” adding, “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!!!” as quoted by New York Post.
How the Claims About the 8 Women Emerged
The appeal follows claims circulating on X, shared by pro-Israel activist Eyal Yakoby, that eight women arrested during anti-regime protests earlier this year are set to be executed, as per the report. The post included images of the women.
Who Is Bita Hemmati and Why Was She Arrested
Among those identified is Bita Hemmati, who was detained during January’s demonstrations. Authorities accused her of crimes including using explosives, throwing objects like concrete blocks, and disrupting national security. She was arrested along with her husband and two other men, with all four reportedly sentenced to death.
Details on Diana Taherabadi and Mahboubeh Shabani
Also named are Diana Taherabadi, a 16-year-old charged with “waging war against God” for participating in protests, and Mahboubeh Shabani, 33, who was accused of assisting wounded demonstrators and detained in February.
Cases of Venus Hosseinnejad and Golnaz Naraghi
Venus Hosseinnejad, 28, was arrested on January 15 and, according to her family, was forced to confess on state television. Golnaz Naraghi, 37, an internal medicine specialist at Hashemi-Nejad Hospital, was taken into custody a day earlier and allegedly made to sign a confession while held at Qarchak women’s prison.
Other Women Named in the Report
The remaining women named in the post include Ghazal Ghalandari, Panah Movahedi, and Ensieh Nejati, though further details about their cases have not been independently confirmed.
Concerns Raised by Human Rights Organizations
Human rights organizations have long criticized Iran’s handling of protest-related cases, accusing authorities of conducting unfair trials. According to the Human Rights News Agency, more than 50,000 people were detained during the recent wave of protests, while the National Council of Resistance of Iran claims over 300 executions took place in the first month of the year alone.
FAQs
Why did Donald Trump ask Iran to release the women?
He framed it as a goodwill gesture ahead of possible negotiations with Iran.
How many women are reportedly facing execution?
Eight women have been named in the claims shared online.