Iran has sentenced Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi to over seven additional years in prison following her initiation of a hunger strike, according to supporters. This move by Tehran comes amidst a broader crackdown on dissent, following nationwide protests and numerous deaths at the hands of security forces.
The recent convictions against Mohammadi coincide with Iran’s ongoing efforts to negotiate with the United States regarding its nuclear program, aiming to avoid a potential military strike by U.S. President Donald Trump. Iran’s top diplomat emphasized Tehran’s ability to resist great powers, taking a firm stance after recent talks with the U.S. in Oman.
Mohammadi’s attorney, Mostafa Nili, confirmed the sentence on social media, revealing that a Revolutionary Court in Mashhad issued the verdict on Saturday. The court’s decisions are known for offering defendants limited opportunities to challenge charges.
Nili outlined the charges against Mohammadi, stating she received a six-year sentence for “gathering and collusion,” along with one and a half years for propaganda, and a two-year travel ban. Additionally, she was handed another two-year internal exile to Khosf, approximately 740 kilometers southeast of Tehran.
Amnesty International’s secretary general, Agnès Callamard, condemned the sentence as a reflection of the escalating repression of dissent and protests by Iranian authorities. Mohammadi has been on a hunger strike since February 2, with supporters highlighting her continued activism despite facing legal repercussions.
Prior to her most recent arrest in December, supporters had warned of Mohammadi’s potential return to prison, as she had been granted a furlough in December 2024 due to health concerns. Despite this, she remained engaged in public protests and media appearances, advocating for human rights and justice.
Mohammadi had previously served a sentence of 13 years and nine months for alleged collusion against state security and propaganda against the Iranian government. Her activism was fueled by her support for nationwide protests following the death of Mahsa Amini and the defiance of mandatory hijab laws by women.
While detained, Mohammadi experienced severe health issues, including heart attacks, leading to emergency surgery in 2022. Her lawyer indicated that she required temporary release for medical treatment due to her ongoing health challenges.
Iranian officials have adopted a stricter stance against dissent following the recent protests. Judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei warned of harsh prison sentences for those deemed to be acting against the state, signaling a more aggressive approach towards critics and activists.
