Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi has been arrested in Iran, according to her supporters. The arrest occurred during a memorial ceremony for Khosro Alikordi, a lawyer and human rights advocate who was found dead in his office last week. Mohammadi, who was temporarily released from prison on medical grounds in December 2024, was detained along with several other activists. Her husband, Taghi Rahmani, based in Paris, confirmed the arrest on X (formerly Twitter).
There has been no immediate comment from Iranian authorities regarding the detention of 53-year-old Mohammadi. However, supporters had previously warned that she was at risk of being returned to prison. It remains unclear if the authorities will immediately re-incarcerate her to serve the remainder of her sentence.
The Narges Foundation reported that Mohammadi's brother, Mehdi Mohammadi, was present at the event and confirmed her arrest. Alikordi's death earlier this month in his office was initially described as a heart attack by officials in Razavi Khorasan province. However, a concurrent security crackdown has raised questions, with over 80 lawyers signing a statement demanding more information.
Mohammadi, an engineer by training, has a history of activism and has been imprisoned 13 times, convicted five times, and sentenced to over 30 years in prison. Her release in December 2024 was extended due to international pressure and her ongoing health issues, including multiple heart attacks and a bone lesion that was later removed. Her activism continued with public protests and international media appearances, including a demonstration in front of Tehran's Evin prison.
This latest arrest highlights the ongoing tensions between Iran's security forces and prominent human rights activists, with concerns about the potential return of Mohammadi to prison and the impact on her health.
