More than 110 Nobel laureates have issued a joint appeal for the immediate and unconditional release of Narges Mohammadi, the imprisoned Iranian human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. The demand comes after Mohammadi was transferred to hospital from Tehran's Evin Prison due to serious concerns over her rapidly deteriorating health.
The statement, released on Tuesday, saw 112 Nobel laureates collectively urging Iranian authorities to free Mohammadi, highlighting the international community's alarm over her welfare. Mohammadi has been a prominent voice against human rights abuses in Iran for decades, leading to numerous arrests and periods of imprisonment. Her advocacy has focused on women's rights and the abolition of the death penalty.
The UK Government has consistently expressed concerns regarding human rights in Iran, frequently condemning the treatment of political prisoners and human rights defenders. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to Iran for British nationals due to the significant risk of arbitrary detention, particularly for dual nationals. The FCDO has previously called for the release of all unjustly detained individuals in Iran.
Mohammadi's latest incarceration stems from charges including 'propaganda against the state' and 'assembly and collusion against national security'. Her work has garnered significant international recognition, culminating in her being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023 for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her promotion of human rights and freedom for all. Her ongoing detention and health issues underscore the severe challenges faced by activists within the country.
The collective voice of such a large number of Nobel laureates places renewed international pressure on Iran to address Mohammadi's situation. This incident further highlights the broader human rights landscape in Iran, which continues to be a point of contention in international relations and a focus for global human rights organisations.
Source: Nobel Laureates' statement