Iran has sentenced Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi to more than seven additional years in prison, as confirmed by her supporters on Sunday. The women's and human rights activist, who was arrested at a demonstration in December, is reportedly on a hunger strike that began on 2 February. This development occurs as Tehran intensifies its crackdown on all forms of dissent following nationwide protests and widespread reports of security forces causing thousands of deaths.
Legal Details and Sentencing
According to Mohammadi's lawyer, Mostafa Nili, the sentence was handed down on Saturday by a court in the city of Mashhad. Nili detailed the convictions on social media platform X, stating that Mohammadi received six years for 'gathering and collusion' and one and a half years for propaganda activities. Additionally, she faces a two-year travel ban and has been sentenced to two years of internal exile in Khosf, located approximately 740 kilometres south-east of Tehran.
Context of Arrest and Activism
Mohammadi was arrested in December during a memorial ceremony honouring Khosrow Alikordi, a 46-year-old Iranian lawyer and human rights advocate based in Mashhad. Footage from the event captured her shouting demands for justice for Alikordi and others. Prior to this arrest, supporters had expressed concerns for months that the 53-year-old activist might be returned to prison after receiving a medical furlough in December 2024. Although initially intended to last only three weeks, her release was extended, possibly due to pressure from activists and Western nations urging Iran to keep her free, even during the 12-day war between Iran and Israel in June.
Despite her precarious health, Mohammadi continued her activism through public protests and international media appearances, including a notable demonstration in front of Tehran's notorious Evin prison, where she had previously been incarcerated. She was already serving a sentence of 13 years and nine months on charges related to collusion against state security and propaganda against the Iranian government. Mohammadi has also been a vocal supporter of the nationwide protests ignited by the 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, which saw women openly defying government mandates by not wearing the hijab.
Health Concerns and International Backdrop
Mohammadi's health has been a significant concern, with supporters reporting she suffered multiple heart attacks while imprisoned and underwent emergency surgery in 2022. In late 2024, her lawyer revealed that doctors had discovered a bone lesion feared to be cancerous, which was subsequently removed. Nili expressed hope that she would be temporarily released on bail to receive necessary medical treatment, given her illnesses.
However, Iranian officials have signalled a tougher stance against dissent since the demonstrations, with the new convictions against Mohammadi emerging as Iran engages in nuclear programme negotiations with the United States to avert a military strike threatened by former President Donald Trump. Iran's top diplomat recently emphasised Tehran's strength in 'saying no to great powers', adopting a maximalist position following talks in Oman with the US.
As of now, Iran has not officially acknowledged the sentence against Mohammadi, leaving her supporters and international observers closely monitoring the situation amid ongoing tensions and human rights concerns in the region.
