Death Sentence Issued for Amir Hossein Mousavi; Social Media Activity Comes at Cost of Life
“Amir Hossein Mousavi,” a 42-year-old political prisoner and operator of the “James Biden” account on social media platform X, has been sentenced to death on charges of “corruption on earth” and to five years imprisonment on charges of “insulting sacred values” by Branch 15 of Tehran’s Revolutionary Court, headed by Abolqasem Salwati. The ruling comes as Mousavi had previously stated that confessions broadcast by state television were recorded under torture and coercion.
According to human rights organizations, the death sentence and five-year imprisonment ruling for Amir Hossein Mousavi was delivered to him on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at Evin Prison. Reza Shafakhah, his defense lawyer, has also confirmed the issuance of the death sentence on charges of “corruption on earth” related to his client’s activities in cyberspace.
Mousavi, who operated under the username “James Biden” on social media platform X, faced a series of charges including “corruption on earth,” “insulting sacred values,” “forming a group to act against national security,” “communicating and exchanging information with individuals affiliated with Israel,” and “financing terrorism.” He was tried over three court sessions, including sessions held in November 2025, August, and September 2026.
However, what doubles the concerns about this case is the broadcast of his televised confessions by state media. The Islamic Republic of Iran’s Broadcasting news program “20:30” had previously aired a video of Mousavi’s statements in which security-related charges against him were presented. Following the release of this video, Mousavi stated in a letter from Evin Prison that the recorded statements were obtained under torture, threats, and coercion, and that the televised report, through editing and distortion, presented a fabricated image of his words.
The Hrana news agency had previously reported on the broadcast of these confessions, noting that the conditions under which the video was recorded were unclear. Iran Wire, citing reports and statements from those close to Mousavi and signatories of a protest statement, reported that Mousavi had been held in solitary confinement for approximately six months before the broadcast of his confessions. These reports highlight the necessity of independent investigation into torture allegations and the credibility of televised confessions.
Amir Hossein Mousavi was arrested on December 19, 2024, at Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport. His lawyer, Reza Shafakhah, stated that Mousavi’s account had been under surveillance by security agencies for approximately six months, and his identification and arrest were carried out through this means. Thus, a case that has now resulted in a death sentence began with the activities of a citizen in cyberspace—activities whose nature and scope of the charges levied against them should be examined in an independent court with the opportunity for effective defense.
The issuance of a death sentence for a prisoner following charges related to online activity, particularly under circumstances where he has alleged torture and coerced confessions, once again raises concerns about the use of capital punishment in political and security cases in Iran. Serious charges, even if raised by judicial authorities, are not a substitute for presenting credible evidence and respecting the right to defense. A confession allegedly obtained under torture cannot be a reliable basis for convicting a human being.
Amir Hossein Mousavi is still alive, but the death sentence issued has placed his life in serious danger. The responsibility to prevent the execution of this sentence, conduct an independent investigation into torture allegations, ensure his full access to a lawyer, and guarantee a fair trial rests with the Islamic Republic’s judiciary. The international community and human rights organizations must also follow this case seriously, before another judicial ruling leads to the end of another human life.
