Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi Calls for Peace Amid Tougher Prison Conditions

 

On the first anniversary of her Nobel Peace Prize award, jailed Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi issued a heartfelt plea for peace in the Middle East from Tehran's infamous Evin prison. In comments shared with Italy’s Corriere della Sera, Mohammadi, 52, condemned the ongoing violence and expressed her deep aversion to war, stating, “I hate war. All those responsible for war are not only condemned by the people of the lands and times they devastate, but they are also for ever disgraced and ostracised in the annals of human history.”

Despite the global recognition of her efforts, Mohammadi revealed that her situation inside the prison has become more difficult since receiving the prestigious prize on October 6, 2023. She questioned, “As I endure harsh security conditions, I wonder – does anyone hear our call for ‘No to war’?”

Mohammadi has been imprisoned since November 2021 for her activism, particularly her campaigns against Iran’s use of the death penalty and the mandatory hijab. Her treatment reportedly worsened after the Nobel Peace Prize award, with Iranian authorities imposing stricter restrictions. In January 2024, she was handed an additional 15-month prison sentence by a revolutionary court, accused of spreading anti-state propaganda from within the prison.

Despite the increased pressure, Mohammadi remains a prominent leader of the Woman, Life, Freedom movement, which has been instrumental in challenging Iran’s government. She stated, "The people of Iran want life with dignity, and the Islamic Republic is standing in the way of that." She reaffirmed her commitment to fighting for democracy, saying that Iran must transition "from tyranny to democracy."

Since her arrest, Mohammadi has faced numerous injustices. She was not allowed to attend her father's funeral earlier this year, nor was she permitted to offer condolences to her family. Her requests to speak with her children, Kiana and Ali, have been repeatedly denied. Furthermore, she has been refused medical treatment for a heart condition, despite a specialist recommending urgent care. Mohammadi’s back problems, caused by a herniated disc, also remain untreated, and she has been denied eye care.

Mohammadi believes these actions are part of a deliberate government strategy to delay her medical treatment until her health deteriorates completely. “The government’s strategy seems to be one of delaying treatment until my health deteriorates completely,” she said.

However, her commitment to the cause remains unshaken. Reflecting on the impact of the Woman, Life, Freedom movement, Mohammadi said it has not only shaken the regime’s legitimacy but also strengthened the democratic spirit within Iranian society. Despite the challenges ahead, she expressed hope for the future, saying the movement has “ignited hope for those fighting for democracy, freedom, and equality.”

Earlier this year, her son, Ali, voiced the family’s ongoing determination to secure her release. Speaking from their home in Paris, he shared, “My mother is the first thing I think about when I wake up in the morning.” His sister, Kiana, added, “It’s like a game [for the regime] where they hold all the cards. Every time my mum thinks she has a good card, they cheat and change the rules.”

As the world awaits the announcement of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize laureates, Mohammadi’s courageous fight for human rights continues, even from behind prison bars.