Iranian women’s rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi has received a sentence of over seven years in prison. Her lawyers and support groups confirmed the verdict. Narges Mohammadi has become a symbol of courage and freedom in Iran. Mohammadi, 53, faced arrest in December while attending a memorial ceremony in Mashhad. She protested the suspicious death of lawyer Khosrow Alikordi at the event. Authorities claimed she made provocative remarks and encouraged attendees to chant slogans. However, supporters say she only spoke out against injustice.
Her sentence includes six years for gathering and collusion to commit crimes. In addition, she received one and a half years for propaganda activities. Finally, she will spend two years in exile in Khosf, a city in eastern South Khorasan province. Her lawyer, Mostafa Nili, said the verdict can be appealed, and he hopes she can receive temporary bail for treatment. Recently, Narges Mohammadi ended a six-day hunger strike. She began it on February 2 to protest prison conditions and her inability to contact lawyers or family. The Narges Foundation reported that her health became critical during the strike. She was transferred to a hospital three days before ending the strike, but officials returned her to prison before completing treatment.
Narges Mohammadi has spent decades fighting for human rights in Iran. She serves as deputy director of the Defenders of Human Rights Center, which supports political prisoners and pushes for reforms. Moreover, she campaigns for women’s rights, fights corruption, and opposes the death penalty. The Nobel Committee recognized her 20-year struggle as a symbol of freedom when awarding her the 2023 Peace Prize.
She is only the second Iranian woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Despite her imprisonment, she continues to inspire people in Iran and worldwide. Human rights groups warn that her detention threatens her life and violates international laws. Her case marks a significant moment in Iran’s ongoing human rights debate. The world watches closely, hoping authorities respect her basic rights. In addition, her situation highlights the urgent need for justice and protection for activists.