Geopolitics
Governance/Geopolitics
Iran calls Trump’s claim on women protesters ‘fake news’, denies executions

Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 22 Apr 2026, 12:59 am Print

Iran calls Trump’s claim on women protesters ‘fake news’, denies executions Iran Execution

Donald Trump appeals Iran to release 8 women. Photo: X/The White House.

Iran’s judiciary has rejected claims by US President Donald Trump that eight women detained during recent anti-government protests are facing execution, describing the assertion as “fake news.”

According to Mizan News Agency, a detailed review of the cases shows that some of the individuals referenced have already been released, while others are facing charges that could result in prison sentences if proven in court. The judiciary-affiliated outlet, as cited by Anadolu Agency, said none of the women currently have a final verdict involving the death penalty.

Earlier, Trump had shared images of eight women on Truth Social and urged Iranian authorities to release them ahead of possible negotiations.

“To the Iranian leaders, who will soon be in negotiations with my representatives: I would greatly appreciate the release of these women,” he wrote.

US-based Iranian dissident Masih Alinejad also posted images and names of the women on X, amplifying concerns around their cases.

Trump’s post appeared to reference claims made by pro-Israel activist Eyal Yakoby, who alleged that “the Islamic Republic is preparing to hang eight women,” while criticising the international community and human rights organisations for their silence. However, the identities of all the women were not fully specified.

Among those highlighted in Trump’s post was Bita Hemmati, who was reportedly among four individuals sentenced in connection with protests earlier this year.

According to the National Council of Resistance of Iran, Hemmati and three others — Mohammadreza Majidi-Asl, Behrouz Zamaninezhad, and Kourosh Zamaninezhad — were arrested during unrest in Tehran and allegedly subjected to interrogation and torture. The group claims they were sentenced to death by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari.

Separately, the US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency reported that the four defendants were convicted on charges including “operational action for a hostile government” and “assembly and collusion against national security.” In addition to death sentences, they were reportedly handed prison terms and asset confiscation orders.

A source close to the families told HRANA that Majidi-Asl and Hemmati are a married couple living in Tehran, while the Zamaninezhads were residents of the same building and were detained simultaneously.