Iran has arrested Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi while she attended a memorial in Mashhad for a recently deceased human rights lawyer, her supporters said on Friday. The 53-year-old activist was reportedly detained alongside several other participants at the ceremony, which has drawn international condemnation.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee expressed deep concern over her arrest, urging Iranian authorities to clarify her whereabouts, ensure her safety, and release her without conditions. The move comes amid a broader crackdown on intellectuals and activists as Iran grapples with sanctions, economic instability, and regional tensions.
The memorial honored Khosrow Alikordi, a 46-year-old lawyer found dead under unclear circumstances earlier this month. Mohammadi, known for her activism against Iran’s strict policies, reportedly addressed the crowd without a hijab and led chants recalling victims of state executions and abuses. Videos circulated online show her surrounded by large crowds, prompting authorities to detain participants, citing “preventive” measures.
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Mohammadi has been a target of Iran’s security forces for years, previously serving multiple prison sentences totaling over 30 years. She had been released temporarily in December 2024 for medical reasons, following heart attacks and surgery for a bone lesion. Supporters warn that returning her to prison could severely endanger her health due to her ongoing cardiac and orthopedic issues.
Her arrest underscores Iran’s ongoing suppression of dissent and the high risks faced by activists advocating for human rights. International organizations and human rights groups have condemned the detentions, framing them as violations of fundamental freedoms and an attempt to intimidate citizens from exercising basic rights.
Mohammadi’s activism includes public protests, media appearances, and supporting nationwide movements such as the 2022 Mahsa Amini protests. Her detention amid a memorial ceremony highlights the increasing tension between Iran’s authorities and outspoken advocates for democracy, gender equality, and freedom of expression.
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