Narges Mohammadi, the Iranian Nobel Peace Prize winner, was taken to the hospital after being beaten when she was arrested last week, according to her family. The 53-year-old human rights activist informed her relatives during a phone call that she had to go to the emergency department twice, following an attack by plainclothes agents who inflicted severe baton blows to her head and neck, as reported by the Narges Foundation.
Although Iranian authorities have yet to comment, they claimed she was detained for making 'provocative remarks' at a memorial ceremony in Mashhad. Calls for her release have come from the Nobel Committee and supporters including filmmaker Jafar Panahi.
Mohammadi, who is the vice-president of the Defenders of Human Rights Center in Iran, was awarded the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize for her activism against female oppression and promotion of human rights. She has spent over a decade in prison, facing a 13-year sentence since 2021 on charges she denies.
After receiving temporary medical release from Tehran's Evin prison in December 2024, Mohammadi resumed her activism. Following her arrest at a memorial for fellow activist Khosrow Alikordi, she was reportedly attacked by around 15 agents, sustaining serious injuries that led to two hospital visits.
In a distressing call to her family, Mohammadi described the brutal blows she suffered, expressing uncertainty about the identity of her detainers and alleging threats of harm towards her family. Alongside her, two other activists detained at the ceremony were also reportedly assaulted.
Mashhad prosecutor Hasan Hematifar confirmed that Mohammadi was one of 39 individuals arrested, accusing her and others of inciting unrest. In response to her arrest, the Norwegian Nobel Committee expressed deep concern and demanded her safety and unconditional release. Prominent Iranian figures have condemned the incident, asserting it reflects the declining state of freedom and accountability in Iran.
Although Iranian authorities have yet to comment, they claimed she was detained for making 'provocative remarks' at a memorial ceremony in Mashhad. Calls for her release have come from the Nobel Committee and supporters including filmmaker Jafar Panahi.
Mohammadi, who is the vice-president of the Defenders of Human Rights Center in Iran, was awarded the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize for her activism against female oppression and promotion of human rights. She has spent over a decade in prison, facing a 13-year sentence since 2021 on charges she denies.
After receiving temporary medical release from Tehran's Evin prison in December 2024, Mohammadi resumed her activism. Following her arrest at a memorial for fellow activist Khosrow Alikordi, she was reportedly attacked by around 15 agents, sustaining serious injuries that led to two hospital visits.
In a distressing call to her family, Mohammadi described the brutal blows she suffered, expressing uncertainty about the identity of her detainers and alleging threats of harm towards her family. Alongside her, two other activists detained at the ceremony were also reportedly assaulted.
Mashhad prosecutor Hasan Hematifar confirmed that Mohammadi was one of 39 individuals arrested, accusing her and others of inciting unrest. In response to her arrest, the Norwegian Nobel Committee expressed deep concern and demanded her safety and unconditional release. Prominent Iranian figures have condemned the incident, asserting it reflects the declining state of freedom and accountability in Iran.
