Former President Donald Trump has called on Iranian leaders to release eight female prisoners, including one sentenced to death for her role in anti-regime protests. The appeal comes as negotiations between the U.S. and Iran were set to begin. Trump posted on Truth Social, stating, '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.' He added that the move would be a 'great start to our negotiations.'
Core Facts & Immediate Action
- Trump's Appeal: Trump publicly urged Iran to release eight female prisoners, including Bita Hemmati, who faces execution. He framed the request as a potential goodwill gesture ahead of negotiations.
- Context of Protests: The women were arrested during anti-regime protests, which Iran has suppressed with mass arrests and executions. At least seven people have already been executed in connection to the protests.
Deeper Dive & Context
The Prisoners and Charges
- Bita Hemmati and her husband, Mohammadreza Majidi-Asl, were arrested in January. Hemmati is reportedly the first woman sentenced to death over the protests.
- Behrouz Zamaninejad and Kourosh Zamaninejad, who lived in the same building as the couple, were also sentenced to death earlier this month.
Negotiations and Diplomatic Implications
- Trump’s appeal coincided with scheduled negotiations between U.S. and Iranian representatives, though the location (initially reported as Islamabad) was not confirmed in the sources.
- The former president’s post included a screenshot of Eyal Yakoby, an American pro-Israeli activist, highlighting the lack of international response to the prisoners' plight.
Human Rights and International Response
- Trump criticized the 'international community and so-called human rights organizations' for their silence on the issue.
- The protests, which erupted over women’s rights and regime policies, have led to widespread crackdowns, with thousands arrested and tens of thousands killed, according to reports.