The 2023 Nobel Peace Prize recipient Narges Mohammadi has been transferred to a Tehran medical facility and granted temporary release from prison on bail following a recent heart attack, according to her family’s foundation.
The 54-year-old activist received the prestigious award last year while incarcerated for her efforts promoting women’s rights and opposing capital punishment. She experienced cardiac complications two weeks ago while serving her sentence.
Family members had advocated for her relocation from Zanjan, located northwest of the Iranian capital, where she was initially hospitalized, seeking access to superior medical treatment for her condition.
According to a statement from the Narges Mohammadi Foundation, she has been transported by ambulance to Tehran Pars Hospital, where her personal medical specialists are providing treatment.
Earlier this year in February, Mohammadi received an additional prison sentence totaling seven and a half years, the foundation reported. This occurred weeks prior to escalating tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran. The Nobel Prize committee urged Iranian authorities to release her without delay.
Her December arrest followed her public criticism regarding the death of attorney Khosrow Alikordi. Officials stated that she made inflammatory statements during Alikordi’s memorial service.
The foundation did not provide specific information about the bail conditions or details surrounding her sentence suspension.
“However, a suspension is not enough,” the organization stated. “Narges Mohammadi requires permanent, specialized care. We must ensure she never returns to prison.”
Iranian authorities severely restricted internet access throughout the country in January while suppressing widespread demonstrations sparked by economic concerns. Human rights organizations have documented continued executions of individuals connected to the civil unrest.
