Conflicting reports have emerged concerning the fate of Melika Azizi, an 18-year-old Iranian woman arrested during nationwide anti-government protests in January 2026.
Azizi was reportedly detained in Masal, Gilan province, and transferred to Lakan Prison in Rasht.
Earlier reports raised concerns that she faced the death penalty under the charge of moharebeh, meaning “waging war against God.”
However, on October 26, Iranian state-affiliated Fars News Agency denied that Azizi had been sentenced to death, claiming she had instead received a six-month prison sentence for propaganda against the state.
The agency also claimed that she could be released in the coming days.
Human rights organisations have reported these developments while noting that the Iranian judiciary has not independently confirmed the details of her sentence.
Although claims of her execution have circulated online, there is currently insufficient reliable evidence to establish that she has been executed.
The conflicting reports have renewed concerns about transparency, detainee welfare and the treatment of individuals arrested during anti-government demonstrations in Iran.