Narges Mohammadi, the Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate, is currently battling severe health issues after being hospitalized under guard for five days due to a heart condition. Her supporters are advocating for her immediate release and medical care.
“Our fight extends beyond securing Narges’s freedom; we are striving to ensure her heart continues to beat,” stated her Paris-based lawyer, Chirinne Ardakani, at a press briefing. Mohammadi, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2023, has now been described as existing “between life and death.”
Jonathan Dagher, representing the press freedom group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and a member of her support committee, expressed grave concerns, stating, “This is the first instance where we emphasize that she is indeed in life-threatening conditions.”
“Immediate action is essential before it becomes too late,” he further urged.
The 54-year-old Mohammadi has spent significant portions of the last twenty years incarcerated for her activism, having most recently been detained in December after openly criticizing the Islamic Republic at a lawyer’s funeral.
Her supporters report she experienced two suspected heart attacks while imprisoned: one on March 24 and another on May 1 in Zanjan, northern Iran. Following her latest health scare, she was transported to a hospital where she remains under strict guard, with Ardakani highlighting an “unprecedented deterioration” in her health. “We have never been more anxious about Narges’s life; she could leave us at any moment.”
During her time in prison, Mohammadi has lost 20 kg (44 lbs) and is experiencing difficulty speaking, appearing “unrecognizable” compared to her state prior to her most recent arrest.
Her supporters are advocating for her transfer to Tehran for treatment from her personal medical team, but there has been no indication of a move from Zanjan.
Mohammadi’s twin teenage children and husband reside in Paris, and Ardakani has appealed to the French foreign ministry and President Emmanuel Macron for a firmer stance on her behalf. “We expect [Macron] to take a strong position. This is not an excessive request,” she remarked.
Key Takeaways
- Narges Mohammadi is currently hospitalized with serious health issues related to a heart condition.
- Her supporters express fears she’s in a life-or-death situation.
- Mohammadi has spent much of the last twenty years in prison due to her activism.
- Her health has notably declined, with significant weight loss and difficulty speaking.
- Supporters are demanding her transfer to Tehran for proper medical care.
- There are calls for the French government to take a stronger position in her case.
FAQ
Why is Narges Mohammadi hospitalized?
She is hospitalized due to a heart condition exacerbated by her prolonged imprisonment.
What is being done to help her?
Supporters are advocating for her release and transfer to Tehran for medical treatment.
What is Narges Mohammadi known for?
She is recognized for her activism and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023.
Who is advocating for her case?
Her lawyer, Chirinne Ardakani, along with various human rights organizations, are actively advocating for her.
