Iranian Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi Hospitalized After Arrest, Family Says

Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi was taken to a hospital emergency room twice after her arrest last week by Iranian security forces, according to her family. The account adds to concerns over the treatment of the prominent human rights advocate, who has repeatedly been detained by authorities over her activism.

Iranian officials have not publicly commented on the family’s allegations, and there has been no independent confirmation of the circumstances surrounding her hospitalization.

Arrest in northeastern Iran

Mohammadi, 53, was arrested on Friday in the northeastern city of Mashhad while attending a gathering linked to the death of human rights lawyer Khosrow Alikordi, according to the Narges Mohammadi Foundation. Supporters shared images on social media showing her addressing a crowd shortly before security forces intervened.

In a statement posted online, Mohammadi’s family said they were able to speak with her briefly by phone after her arrest. During the call, they said, she described being subjected to repeated blows during her detention and said she was taken to a hospital emergency room on two occasions for treatment.

Images circulated by supporters also showed Mohammadi receiving medical care, though the exact nature of her injuries was not specified.

Authorities cite “preventative” detention

Iranian authorities have not responded directly to the family’s claims of mistreatment. On Saturday, however, officials said security forces had temporarily detained a number of people at the gathering after chants that authorities described as “norm-breaking.”

In a statement, authorities characterized the detentions as preventative, saying they were intended to protect Mohammadi from others in the crowd. No further details were provided, and it was not clear how long the detentions were expected to last.

Requests for comment from Iranian officials regarding Mohammadi’s condition and treatment during custody were not answered.

A long record of activism and imprisonment

Mohammadi is one of Iran’s most prominent human rights advocates, known internationally for her campaigns against the death penalty, solitary confinement, and what she has described as systemic abuses within Iran’s prison system. She has also been a leading voice in advocating for women’s rights in the country.

Her activism has resulted in multiple arrests and prison sentences over more than a decade. Iranian courts have convicted her on charges related to national security and propaganda against the state, accusations she and her supporters have consistently rejected.

In recent years, Mohammadi has spent extended periods in Tehran’s Evin prison, a facility widely associated with the detention of political prisoners and dual nationals. She has at times been released temporarily on medical grounds, with supporters citing serious health concerns, including heart and neurological issues.

Nobel Peace Prize recognition

In 2023, Mohammadi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of what the Nobel Committee described as her “fight against the oppression of women in Iran” and her broader struggle to promote human rights and freedom. At the time of the award, she was imprisoned and unable to attend the ceremony in Oslo.

The Nobel Committee’s decision drew widespread international attention to her case and renewed calls from rights groups and foreign governments for her release. Iranian authorities criticized the award, dismissing it as politically motivated.

Since receiving the prize, Mohammadi has remained a symbol of resistance for many inside and outside Iran, even as pressure from authorities has continued.

International concern and silence from Tehran

Human rights organizations have long accused Iranian security forces of using excessive force and arbitrary detention against activists, journalists, and lawyers. The United Nations and international advocacy groups have repeatedly urged Iran to respect freedom of expression and assembly, allegations Tehran routinely denies.

In Mohammadi’s case, the lack of official response to her family’s account has fueled concern among supporters, particularly given her history of health problems and prior releases from custody for medical reasons.

For now, details about her current condition, where she is being held, and whether she faces formal charges remain unclear.

Soure: AP News – Iranian Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi taken to hospital after arrest, family says