Iran sentences 23-year-old accounting student to death for blasphemous social media post
· World · India Today, NDTV, Hindustan Times
Iranian authorities handed Najmeh Amini, 23, a death sentence for blasphemy over a social media post in October 2026. Amini, an accounting student from Mashhad, posted the remarks while reportedly hallucinating after taking psychedelic mushrooms with friends. Her defence argued the comments were a slip of the tongue, but the judge rejected it. The verdict is not final and can be appealed before Iran's Supreme Court. Amini was arrested during nationwide anti-government protests in January 2026 and has been held in isolation at Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad. Rights monitors say she suffered severe beatings during arrest and was denied access to a lawyer of her choice throughout her detention.
Why it matters
The death sentence underscores Iran's strict enforcement of its Islamic penal code against perceived religious offences, with Amini facing execution despite her young age and claims of mental distress during posting. The case highlights ongoing crackdowns on dissent following last year's nationwide protests.
Read the original report — India Today
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