Iranian Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi has once again faced violent arrest, according to her foundation. This time, she was detained in Mashhad while attending a memorial for Khosrow Alikordi, a lawyer whose suspicious death has raised questions. Several other activists were also taken into custody during the event, where slogans like “death to the dictator” were shouted.
The international community is reacting. The Nobel Committee expressed deep concern over her arrest, urging authorities to disclose her whereabouts and ensure her safety. Mohammadi, who won the Nobel Prize in 2023 for her efforts against female oppression in Iran, has been a vocal critic of the Iranian government. She argues that repression has intensified in the wake of a ceasefire with Israel last June.
Recently, she penned an article for Time magazine discussing how the Iranian state controls many aspects of life through tactics like surveillance and censorship. Mohammadi emphasized that the government’s version of peace is marred by constant threats, making life unbearable for many.
Mohammadi has a long history of opposition against the Iranian regime. Over her lifetime, she has been arrested 13 times and sentenced to over 36 years in prison, along with 154 lashes. Despite this, she continues to resist, notably refusing the mandatory headscarf and engaging with fellow activists across Iran.
Taghi Rahmani, her husband, depicted her arrest as violent and called it an act of revenge by the regime. He highlighted that conditions for activists are getting worse, with increased crackdowns evident. Reports from Nigeria-based Iran Human Rights have also called for an investigation into Alikordi’s death.
Overall, Narges Mohammadi’s story resonates deeply in today’s socio-political climate. Her defiance against oppression inspires many, reflecting a broader struggle for human rights in Iran. It’s a potent reminder of the ongoing battle between authoritarianism and the quest for freedom.
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