Malika Azizi, an 18-year-old Iranian protester, is facing the death penalty after she was arrested during anti-government protests across the country and accused of burning the flag of the Islamic Republic.
Azizi was arrested on January 9, 2026 in Masal, Gilan province, northern Iran, before being transferred to Lakhan Barsht prison.
She was accused of muchariba, meaning "war against God."
Azizi confronted the judge during her proceedings and declared:
"You let so many young men bleed. How can I be silent? i don't care just kill me ".
She was denied contact with her family and access to legal representation, while her relatives faced pressure from the security authorities.