Deported Christian Iranian appeals to Trump for reprieve to avoid ‘execution or life in prison’
Panama City, Panama – February 19, 2025
Artemis Ghasemzadeh, a 27-year-old Iranian Christian convert, is pleading for a reprieve from former U.S. President Donald Trump to avoid deportation to Iran, where she could face execution or life imprisonment under Sharia law. Ghasemzadeh is among 299 migrants deported by the United States to Panama, as part of a controversial immigration crackdown.
Speaking from the Decapolis Hotel in Panama City, where the migrants are being held under strict security, Ghasemzadeh made an emotional appeal for her case to be reviewed.
“Our first request is a reprieve from President Trump – just for our cases to be reviewed,” she told FRANCE 24 Observers, emphasizing the grave dangers she faces as a Christian convert if sent back to Iran.
Ghasemzadeh also highlighted the desperate situation faced by other deportees, including Afghan girls fearing Taliban persecution, and Iranians who have converted to Christianity.
The migrants, who include individuals from China, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, are confined to their hotel under tight surveillance and are barred from meeting with lawyers. Ghasemzadeh described the restricted environment, stating:
“We are on the eighth floor and can only eat in the restaurant on the first floor before going straight back to our rooms. Panamanian police officers accompany us everywhere.”
Efforts to access legal assistance have been hindered, as Panama’s authorities have prohibited meetings with lawyers and restricted communication with the media.
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino confirmed that the migrants are temporarily housed in Panama City but will be moved to a shelter in the Darién region, raising concerns about poor health and hygiene conditions.
Meanwhile, Panama’s Security Minister, Frank Abrego, stated that 171 of the 299 deportees have agreed to voluntarily return to their home countries with assistance from the International Organization for Migration and the UN Refugee Agency.
However, Ghasemzadeh maintains that many migrants, including herself, face life-threatening dangers in their countries of origin.
Ghasemzadeh’s video plea has gone viral, attracting international attention and prompting support from churches in the U.S.. Despite this, she expressed frustration at the lack of concrete action, stating:
“We are willing to go to any other country where we can live safely, even here in Panama. If there is a country that truly upholds human rights, we ask them to consider our cases.”
The situation remains tense and uncertain, with reports of desperate conditions in the hotel detention leading to suicide attempts and escape attempts. Panama and the United States face growing international scrutiny over the handling of deported migrants and human rights implications.
As global attention intensifies, the outcome of Ghasemzadeh’s appeal remains uncertain, highlighting the complex humanitarian challenges surrounding international immigration policies.
