Iran Imposes Over Seven Additional Years of Imprisonment on Nobel Peace Prize Winner Narges Mohammadi
In a significant development, Iran has sentenced Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi to more than seven additional years in prison, according to statements from her supporters and legal representatives. This verdict comes as Mohammadi has reportedly been on a hunger strike since early February, raising serious concerns about her health and well-being.
Legal Details of the New Sentence
Her lawyer, Mostafa Nili, confirmed the verdict through social media channels, revealing that Mohammadi received multiple sentences on separate charges. According to Nili, she has been sentenced to six years in prison for charges described as "gathering and collusion to commit crimes," with an additional one-and-a-half years for propaganda-related offenses. Furthermore, Mohammadi has been handed a two-year travel ban and ordered into internal exile for two years in the city of Khosf, located in South Khorasan province.
Under Iranian legal provisions, prison sentences are typically served concurrently, meaning the longest term—six years in this case—would apply. Nili emphasized that the verdict is not final and remains subject to appeal. He also expressed hope that, considering her deteriorating health condition, Mohammadi might be temporarily released on bail to receive necessary medical treatment.
Hunger Strike and Escalating Health Concerns
Supporters indicate that Mohammadi initiated a hunger strike on February 2, according to reports from the Associated Press. Her health has been a persistent concern, particularly following a brief medical release in December 2024. At that time, she was granted three weeks of freedom after undergoing surgery for tumour removal and a bone graft, as detailed by her lawyer.
Despite her ongoing detention, Mohammadi has continued to protest from within prison walls, including organizing demonstrations in the prison yard and undertaking previous hunger strikes to highlight her cause.
Decades of Activism and Repeated Imprisonment
Narges Mohammadi, 53, has faced repeated arrests over the past 25 years for her unwavering activism. Her campaigns have focused on opposing Iran's use of the death penalty and challenging the mandatory dress code imposed on women. She has not seen her twin children, who reside in Paris, since 2015, underscoring the personal sacrifices of her advocacy.
In 2023, Mohammadi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of her human rights work, particularly her opposition to capital punishment. Her children accepted the prestigious award on her behalf as she remained imprisoned at the time.
International Criticism of Iran's Human Rights Record
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have consistently criticized Iran's human rights practices. Reports note that Iran carries out more executions annually than any other nation except China, for which reliable data is often unavailable. This context highlights the broader challenges faced by activists like Mohammadi within the Iranian judicial system.
The latest sentencing of Mohammadi adds to her long history of imprisonment, as she has spent much of the past decade in and out of prison for her activism. Iranian authorities have not publicly acknowledged the ruling, maintaining silence on the matter as of recent reports.
