Narges Mohammadi, the Iranian human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has embarked on a hunger strike to protest against Iran’s denial of medical care to her and other inmates, as well as its mandatory hijab law. This bold act of resistance comes just a month after she was awarded the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize for her tireless advocacy for women’s rights in Iran.
At the age of 51, Narges Mohammadi finds herself in a dire situation. She is in urgent need of treatment for heart and lung conditions, but Iranian authorities, led by a prosecutor, have been obstructing her transfer to a hospital. The reason behind this denial? Narges Mohammadi’s refusal to adhere to the mandatory hijab law, which requires women to cover their hair.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee, responsible for awarding Ms. Mohammadi the peace prize, has expressed deep concern over her treatment. Berit Reiss-Andersen, the committee’s chairwoman, denounced the requirement that female inmates must wear hijabs in order to receive medical care as “inhumane and morally unacceptable.” These statements shed light on the oppressive nature of Iran’s policies towards women and their systematic violation of human rights.
In a statement released by Narges Mohammadi’s family, it was revealed that she began her hunger strike on Monday morning, protesting against two grave issues. Firstly, she condemns the Islamic Republic’s practice of delaying and neglecting medical care for sick inmates, a practice that has resulted in the loss of lives and health deterioration of countless individuals. Secondly, she protests against the policy of mandatory hijab, which she sees as oppressive and akin to a death sentence for Iranian women.
Despite numerous appeals to prison officials and the judiciary, a prosecutor has consistently denied Ms. Mohammadi’s transfer to a heart and lung center for urgently needed medical treatment. The trusted diagnosis and echocardiogram from a prison doctor confirm her critical condition and the necessity of immediate care. However, her pleas for assistance have fallen on deaf ears, putting her life in imminent danger.
This hunger strike is not the first time that Narges Mohammadi’s battles for human rights have led her into conflict with the Iranian regime. Currently serving a 10-year prison sentence, she has been arrested a staggering 13 times in total. With five convictions and a cumulative sentence of 31 years in prison, she has become a symbol of resilience and determination in the face of oppression.
The struggle against the mandatory hijab law, deeply rooted in Iran’s interpretation of Sharia law, has gained significant momentum. In 2022 alone, after the tragic death in custody of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested for wearing an “improper” hijab, mass protests erupted across the country. Women and girls took to the streets, burning their headscarves or waving them in defiance of the clerical establishment. Many have now chosen to completely cast off the hijab, risking social and legal repercussions.
In a letter addressed to the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Narges Mohammadi eloquently described the compulsory hijab as a tool of control and repression that sustains Iran’s authoritarian religious regime. Her hunger strike further amplifies her message and serves as a powerful reminder to the world of the ongoing struggle for human rights in Iran.
It is essential that the international community pays close attention to Narges Mohammadi’s plight and exerts pressure on Iranian authorities to provide the necessary medical care she urgently requires. The denial of care based on adherence to a religious dress code is a violation of basic human rights and should not be tolerated. Furthermore, this hunger strike shines a spotlight on the broader issue of the discriminatory treatment of women in Iran and the urgent need for gender equality and women’s empowerment.
As supporters of human rights, we must stand in solidarity with Narges Mohammadi and countless others who are facing similar injustices in Iran and around the world. Their voices deserve to be heard, and their struggles must not be forgotten. It is our responsibility to raise awareness, advocate for change, and support those who are fighting for freedom and justice.
