An 18-year-old girl is sitting in a prison cell, waiting for the day she might be executed.
Her name is Melika Azizi.
She grew up in Masal, a small town in northern Iran. By all accounts, she was a bright, determined young woman with her whole life ahead of her. That changed in January 2026, during a wave of nationwide protests that human rights groups say left hundreds of demonstrators dead at the hands of security forces.
Melika was arrested, accused of setting fire to symbols of the regime.
What followed was 45 days in solitary confinement — a method widely described as psychological torture, often referred to as “White Torture” in Iran. Isolated, cut off, and broken down mentally, she was then brought to trial.
The charge: “moharebeh” — waging war against God.
In Iran, that charge carries the death penalty.
But Melika did not beg.
She did not plead.
Standing in court, she faced the judge and said:
“You let so many young people bleed. How can I remain silent? I don’t care. Just kill me.”
On March 21, 2026 — the first day of the Iranian New Year — authorities confirmed her death sentence.
She is now being held at Lakan Prison near Rasht.
Waiting.
Her mother has refused to stay silent.
“Melika’s only crime was not staying silent,” she said.
“Even if they take away my title as a mother, no one can take away my love for my child.”
And Melika’s case is not an isolated one.
Just days earlier, 19-year-old wrestler Saleh Mohammadi was publicly executed on the same charge. On the eve of Nowruz, five other teenagers detained during the protests were also reportedly put to death.
A pattern is emerging.
Young voices are being silenced — permanently.
Melika Azizi is still alive.
For now.