Urgent Calls for Medical Care as Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi’s Health Declines in Iranian Prison

Narges Mohammadi, the Iranian Nobel Peace Prize winner and human rights advocate, is facing a severe health crisis while imprisoned in Iran. After a sudden and dangerous drop in her blood pressure, she was finally moved to a local hospital, but her family fears the delay may have endangered her life.

Mohammadi’s deteriorating condition has sparked urgent appeals from her relatives and the Nobel Peace Prize Committee for her transfer to a specialized medical facility in Tehran. Her case highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of political prisoners and the denial of adequate healthcare in Iranian detention centers.

A Life Threatened Behind Bars: The Alarming Health Decline of Narges Mohammadi

The 54-year-old human rights campaigner was moved from Zanjan prison to a local hospital only after her health sharply worsened. Her brother, Hamidreza Mohammadi, revealed that her blood pressure plummeted and could not be stabilized, raising fears of a fatal outcome. Despite her history of heart and lung conditions, prison authorities had previously refused to provide her with specialized medical care.

A History of Persecution and Medical Neglect

Mohammadi has endured 13 arrests and been sentenced to a total of 31 years in prison along with 154 lashes for her activism. In 2021, she began serving a 13-year sentence on charges she denies, including propaganda against the state. Her health issues, including a suspected heart attack last month, have been exacerbated by inadequate medical attention during her detention.

• Suffered suspected heart attack in prison in January
• Denied hospital transfer despite serious cardiac and pulmonary conditions
• Recently sentenced to an additional 7.5 years in prison
• Transferred abruptly to Zanjan prison with limited family contact

Calls for Immediate Transfer to Tehran’s Specialized Medical Facilities

Mohammadi’s family and the Nobel Peace Prize Committee are demanding her urgent transfer to Tehran, where her trusted specialists can provide proper treatment. Her brother emphasized that local doctors in Zanjan are ill-equipped to manage her complex health needs, including previous stenting and angiography procedures.

"Her life remains at risk unless she receives specialized care in Tehran," said Jorgen Watne Frydnes, head of the Nobel Peace Prize Committee.

The Broader Implications: Human Rights and Prisoner Treatment in Iran

Mohammadi’s case sheds light on the harsh realities faced by political prisoners in Iran, where medical neglect and harsh sentencing are common. Her ongoing activism despite imprisonment underscores the resilience of human rights defenders but also the urgent need for international attention and pressure on Iranian authorities.

Looking Ahead: The Fight for Justice and Health Continues

As Mohammadi’s health hangs in the balance, her family and supporters vow to continue advocating for her release and proper medical care. The international community watches closely, hoping that her case will prompt reforms in prisoner treatment and respect for human rights in Iran.