Calls for Medical Transfer Amid Health Decline
Relatives of Narges Mohammadi, the imprisoned Iranian human rights advocate and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, along with the Nobel Peace Prize Committee, have urged authorities to transfer her to appropriate medical facilities following a reported sharp deterioration in her health.
Her family reported that the 54-year-old was moved from her prison in north-west Iran to a local hospital, describing the transfer as a "last-minute" measure that may be too late to address her condition.
Hamidreza Mohammadi, her brother residing in Norway, expressed his fears on the BBC's Newshour programme, stating that he worries she is dying and that he wakes up "waiting for the worst call" he could receive.
Background on Narges Mohammadi's Imprisonment
Narges Mohammadi was awarded the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize. She was arrested in December for her criticism of Iranian authorities.
Last month, Hamidreza Mohammadi revealed that his sister had been found unconscious by fellow inmates at Zanjan Prison in north-west Iran after suffering a suspected heart attack. He added that prison officials had refused to transfer her to a hospital despite her history of cardiac, lung, and blood pressure problems.
Foundation Statement on Health Deterioration
The Narges Mohammadi Foundation, managed by her family, stated on Friday that she had been transferred to a hospital in Zanjan province "following a catastrophic deterioration in her health."
The statement further noted that this transfer occurred "after 140 days of arbitrary detention and the persistent denial of specialised healthcare."
Brother Details Medical Condition and Treatment Concerns
On Saturday, Hamidreza Mohammadi informed the BBC that his sister was suffering from low blood pressure and had experienced a heart attack. He explained that her previous medical conditions, including a pulmonary embolism and having undergone stenting and angiography, rendered "any treatment by the doctors in Zanjan effectively impossible."
He emphasized that she should be transferred to a hospital in Tehran "so that her own specialists, who have treated her previously, can take over her care."
This appeal was supported by Jorgen Watne Frydnes, head of the Nobel Peace Prize Committee, who told news agency that Mohammadi's life was at risk.
Criticism of Iranian Government's Handling
Speaking to Newshour, her brother criticized the Iranian government for deliberately preventing her from receiving necessary medical care.
"I have no doubt that the regime has decided to just get rid of people like Narges and other activists," he said.
Iranian authorities have not publicly responded to these accusations or to any part of the Mohammadi family's account.
Impact of Regional Conflict on Prisoners' Plight
Hamidreza Mohammadi also expressed his belief that the war in Iran has diverted international attention from the situation of prisoners in the country, stating that the global community appears "reluctant to talk about the real problem."
"It seems that oil is now more important than freedom," he said, referring to concerns over the key Strait of Hormuz trade route.
History of Arrests and Sentences
Narges Mohammadi has been arrested 13 times throughout her life and sentenced to a total of 31 years in prison and 154 lashes, according to her foundation.
In 2021, she began serving a 13-year sentence on charges of committing "propaganda activity against the state" and "collusion against state security," charges she denies.
In December 2024, she was granted temporary release from Tehran's notorious Evin prison on medical grounds.
She continued her activism while undergoing treatment and was arrested in the north-eastern city of Mashhad last December after delivering a speech at the memorial ceremony of a fellow human rights activist. Her family reported that she was taken to hospital after being beaten during the arrest.
In early February, Mohammadi was sentenced by a Revolutionary Court to an additional seven-and-a-half years in prison after being convicted of "gathering and collusion" and "propaganda activities," according to her lawyer.
She was transferred without warning the following week to Zanjan prison and has had only limited communication with her family since then.
