Narges Mohammadi, the Iranian Nobel Peace Prize winner, was taken to hospital after being beaten during her arrest last week, according to her family. The 53-year-old human rights activist reported via phone that she was brought to the emergency department twice due to severe injuries from repeated baton blows to her head and neck.
Though Iranian authorities have not commented on the specifics of her arrest, they stated she was detained for making 'provocative remarks' at a memorial ceremony in Mashhad. Notably, the Nobel Committee and renowned filmmaker Jafar Panahi have called for her release.
Mohammadi, who is the vice-president of the Defenders of Human Rights Center in Iran, was awarded the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize for her fight against female oppression and her promotion of human rights. Over the past decade, she has spent significant time incarcerated, currently facing a 13-year prison sentence for propaganda and collusion against the state, charges she denies.
Eyewitness reports reveal that Mohammadi was attacked by approximately 15 plainclothes agents at the memorial for her fellow activist, Khosrow Alikordi, who was found dead under suspicious circumstances. These agents purportedly beat her while dragging her by the hair.
In a distressing phone call with her family, Mohammadi described the severity of the blows she received, saying they were so intense that she required hospitalization twice. Additionally, she indicated confusion about which security agency was holding her and received threats related to her family's safety.
Two other activists, Sepideh Gholian and Pouran Nazemi, were also reportedly beaten during the same event. Mashhad's prosecutor stated that Mohammadi was among 39 individuals arrested during the memorial.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee expressed deep concern over the 'brutal arrest' and demanded that Iranian authorities ensure her safety and release her without conditions.
