U.S. President Donald Trump asserted Iran canceled the execution of eight women, a claim Iranian authorities deny, while human rights groups report some were already released.
Trump: Iran Called Off Execution of Eight Women
President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that Iran had acceded to his appeal and canceled the planned execution of eight women.
“Very good news! I just was informed that eight protestors who were going to be executed tonight in Iran will not be killed,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
Reported Release and Sentencing
As Trump stated, four women would be released immediately, and the remaining four would be sentenced to one month in prison.
“I greatly appreciate that Iran and its leaders respected my request as President of the United States and refrained from the planned execution. Thank you for the consideration,” he added.
Trump’s Prior Appeal
On Tuesday, Trump also posted on Truth Social, appealing to Iran to release the women who were reportedly to be hanged.
“To the Leaders of Iran, who are soon to be negotiating with my representatives: I would very much appreciate if you would release these women. I am sure they would respect that fact if you do. Please do not harm them! It would be a wonderful start to our negotiations!!!” Trump wrote before the announcement of the suspension of hostilities extension.
Tehran Disputes Execution Plans
CNN noted that Iranian authorities had denied being prepared to carry out the execution of any women. Judiciary officials stated that some women had already been released and none faced the death penalty.
Previous Claims and Human Rights Reports
CNN reported that Trump had previously cited alleged death sentences issued in Iran that were later contested or unconfirmed.
Iran Human Rights, based in Oslo, informed that two of the eight women referenced by Trump were released on bail at the end of March, according to AP. Human rights advocates say at least two women currently imprisoned face charges carrying the death penalty.
Reporting by Natalia Dziurdzińska
Natalia Dziurdzińska (PAP) reporting from Washington.
