She insulted Iran’s supreme leader — the moving message of the blogger after learning she was sentenced to death: “I said what I believed”

A 33-year-old Iranian blogger has been sentenced to death by a Revolutionary Court in Bandar Abbas, in a case that has raised fresh concerns over the treatment of critics and activists in Iran.

Marzieh “Sevda” Ebrahimi Shamsabadi was found guilty on a range of charges, including “corruption on earth,” insulting Iran’s supreme leader and acts considered by the authorities a threat to national security.

The verdict was issued by Branch Three of the Revolutionary Court in Bandar Abbas. According to the human rights organization HRANA and Iran International reports, the 33-year-old also faces charges of propaganda and communication against national security, as well as alleged collaboration with “hostile governments.”

Ebrahimi Shamsabadi, who had about 10,000 followers on Instagram, was arrested in March and is said to have spent about 20 days in solitary confinement during interrogation.

Shortly before her arrest, she had published what turned out to be her final message on social media. Against a black background, alongside a white dove and a red rose, she wrote:

“If one day I leave this world, know only one thing — I chose the path I believed in.”

One of the charges against her relates to a photograph she is suspected of having taken from a distance in an area hit by a missile. Iranian authorities claim the photograph was then sent to a Persian-language media outlet based abroad.

In addition to the death sentence, the court has also imposed several years in prison, confiscation of property and a ban on holding certain public offices and services.

Her lawyer was officially notified of the death sentence on August 23.

Ebrahimi Shamsabadi was born in Arak, raised in Tehran and later settled in Bandar Abbas. According to reports, she had suffered from multiple sclerosis for about six years.

Her health is said to have deteriorated in detention. A source familiar with her situation told HRANA the deterioration has raised strong concerns about her physical condition and the treatment she received during detention.

Her case brings renewed attention to the Iranian authorities’ use of the death penalty against persons accused of offenses related to national security and activity against the regime.