Narges Mohammadi, the renowned human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, has been sentenced to an additional 15 months in prison by Iran’s Revolutionary Court. This verdict follows her previous convictions, resulting in a cumulative jail term of 12 years. The charges against her include propagating anti-government propaganda while imprisoned.
The latest trial, in which Ms Mohammadi was absent, drew strong condemnation from her family. They emphasized that this marks her fifth conviction since March 2021 alone. Ms Mohammadi has dedicated her life to advocating for human rights in Iran and has faced repeated periods of incarceration spanning two decades due to her activism. She has been arrested on 13 occasions and has been given a combined sentence of 31 years in prison.
In addition to the additional prison time, the sentence orders Ms Mohammadi to spend two years in exile outside of Tehran. This relocation will require her transfer from the notorious Evin prison, where she is currently held. Moreover, the verdict restricts her from traveling abroad for two years and prohibits her from becoming a member of political or social groups, as well as forbidding her from possessing a mobile phone for the same duration.
Despite enduring numerous threats and arrests, the 51-year-old activist has remained resilient and continued her crucial work. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023 for her relentless efforts in combating the oppression faced by women in Iran. In a powerful speech read by her children on her behalf at Oslo’s city hall, Ms Mohammadi denounced Iran’s “tyrannical” government from within the confines of her prison cell. Her absence has resulted in her children growing up without her physical presence for years.
The speech highlighted the determination of the Iranian people to overcome repression and authoritarianism, illustrated by the protests that emerged following the death of Mahsa Amini, who died in police custody for allegedly wearing her hijab “improperly”. Ms Mohammadi praised the youth of Iran for turning the streets and public spaces into arenas of widespread civil resistance.
The sentencing of Narges Mohammadi to an additional prison term raises concerns about the deteriorating state of human rights and freedom of expression in Iran. The repeated convictions and imprisonment of a globally recognized activist demonstrate a system that suppresses dissent and restricts the efforts towards positive change. The international community must not turn a blind eye to these violations but instead urge the Iranian government to respect fundamental human rights and release Narges Mohammadi immediately.
The case of Narges Mohammadi serves as a reminder that the fight for human rights requires indomitable resilience, unwavering determination, and solidarity from individuals and organizations worldwide. Supporting imprisoned activists like Ms Mohammadi and demanding justice for them is crucial in advocating for a more just and inclusive society. Let us stand united against the violation of human rights and work towards a world where individuals like Narges Mohammadi can pursue their noble causes without fear of persecution.
