Iran enforces inhuman flogging sentence against activist Atash Shakarami, aunt of Nika

Hengaw – Monday, November 10, 2025

Iranian authorities have carried out an inhuman sentence of 38 lashes against Atash Shakarami, a civil activist and member of the Justice-Seeking Families, who is also the aunt of Nika Shakarami, one of the victims of the Woman, Life, Freedom (Jin, Jiyan, Azadi) uprising. The punishment was implemented by the Enforcement of Sentences Office in Tehran.

According to information received by Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, the flogging sentence against Shakarami, a civil activist from Khorramabad, Lorestan, was carried out on November 10, 2025, at Branch 23 of the Public and Revolutionary Prosecutor’s Office (Special Deputy Branch) in Tehran.

Branch 8 of the same prosecutor’s office had earlier summoned her on November 5, 2025, ordering her to appear within ten days to serve the sentence of 38 lashes. During her prosecution, Shakarami was denied the right to legal representation and a fair defence. She was not allowed to be represented by her lawyer, prevented from presenting evidence in her favour, and barred from defending herself in court, in clear violation of international fair trial standards.

Shakarami had previously been sentenced by Branch 106 of the Criminal Court II of Khorramabad to 38 lashes on charges of “spreading false information” and to a fine of 51 million tomans for “defamation.” The verdict was later upheld in full by the Court of Appeal. The case was initiated following a private complaint filed by her sister, Nasrin Shakarami.

Nika Shakarami, aged 16, from Lorestan and residing in Tehran, died under torture and sexual assault while in custody after being arrested by security forces during the Woman, Life, Freedom (Jin, Jiyan, Azadi) uprising. Her body was handed over to her family nine days after her enforced disappearance.