Branch 3 of the Bandar Abbas Revolutionary Court has sentenced Sevda (Marziyeh) Ebrahimi Shamsabadi to death on charges of “Corruption on Earth” (Efsad-fil-Arz). Specifically, the court cited her taking photographs of a missile impact site from a distance and sending them to an abroad-based Persian media outlet as primary evidence. Check out our Latest news on human rights in Iran to read more about media crackdowns and capital punishment trends.
Security forces have detained Ebrahimi Shamsabadi since March 29, 2026. Defense counsel received formal notification of the Sevda Ebrahimi Shamsabadi death sentence on August 23, 2026 (1 Shahrivar 1405).
Severe Medical Conditions in Prison Detention
Ebrahimi Shamsabadi is currently held in Bandar Abbas Prison despite suffering from multiple chronic medical conditions, including multiple sclerosis (MS), psoriasis, narcolepsy, and severe stomach colic. Consequently, human rights defenders warn that her continued detention without specialized healthcare poses an immediate threat to her life.
Prosecution for Media and Information Sharing
Presiding Judge Khajeh-Hassani based the capital sentence on the following accusations:
Insulting the Supreme Leader
Engaging in media and propaganda activities against national security
Conducting intelligence operations for hostile foreign governments
Crucially, capturing images of public events or communicating with news outlets does not constitute a capital offense under international law. Furthermore, reports confirm that the Supreme Court has not yet affirmed the sentence, meaning the ruling remains under appeal. Ultimately, executing citizens for basic photojournalism and information sharing represents an extreme breach of fair trial standards and the right to life.
