Narges Mohammadi, Iran’s most prominent human rights activist and the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has been released from Tehran’s notorious Evin prison on a three-week medical leave. The announcement, made by her lawyer Mostafa Nili on social media, cited health concerns following a recent surgery. “The public prosecutor suspended her jail sentence for three weeks based on the advice of the examining doctor,” Nili stated.
Mohammadi’s temporary release follows a surgical procedure in November to remove a tumor and conduct a bone graft in her lower right leg. While the tumor was confirmed to be benign, her lawyer revealed that she requires ongoing medical care, including regular check-ups every three months.
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Despite this development, Mohammadi’s family and supporters have criticized the Iranian government, describing the 21-day release as “inadequate.” In a statement, her family demanded her “immediate and unconditional release” or, at minimum, an extension of her medical leave to three months.
Health Issues Amid Continued Activism
Mohammadi, 52, has endured years of imprisonment, during which her health has steadily deteriorated. She suffers from arthritis, spinal issues, and cardiovascular complications, exacerbated by a heart attack in 2021. A recent MRI revealed worsening conditions, including the progression of disc disease. Her family has also reported that she is unable to walk unaided, and Amnesty International has expressed concerns that she is being denied adequate medical care.
The activist’s foundation highlighted that this release is not a medical furlough, which would allow recovery time to count toward her sentence. Instead, the suspension means she will need to serve an additional 30 days upon her return to prison.
Champion of Women’s Rights and Human Dignity
A fierce advocate for women’s rights and the abolition of capital punishment in Iran, Mohammadi has spent much of the past two decades behind bars. Her activism against mandatory hijab laws and the systemic use of capital punishment has made her a symbol of resistance against state repression.
While serving her sentence, she has staged protests within Evin prison, written open letters condemning the Iranian regime, and even gone on hunger strikes to draw attention to human rights violations. In September, she penned a letter denouncing the “devastating oppression” of women in Iran, marking the second anniversary of nationwide protests ignited by the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman detained for alleged dress code violations.
Global Support for Permanent Release
The international community has intensified its calls for Mohammadi’s unconditional release. The Norwegian Nobel Committee, which awarded her the 2023 Peace Prize for her “fight against the oppression of women in Iran,” has condemned her continued incarceration. “We demand that she is released forever, not just for 21 days,” said the committee’s chair, Jorgen Watne Frydnes.
Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and numerous human rights organizations have also urged the Iranian authorities to grant her permanent freedom, citing her precarious health.
Legal and Personal Struggles
Mohammadi is currently serving multiple sentences totaling more than 30 years on charges including “propaganda against the state.” Her most recent conviction, handed down in June, added an additional 15 months to her term for continuing her activism while imprisoned.
This latest sentence came shortly after her Nobel Peace Prize win, which she was unable to receive in person. Her children, who live in Paris and have not seen their mother since 2015, collected the award on her behalf.
Hope Amid Adversity
Despite the dire conditions and personal sacrifices, Mohammadi’s resolve remains unbroken. As she walked out of Evin prison on Wednesday, she chanted the slogan of Iran’s women-led protests, “Woman, Life, Freedom,” embodying her enduring spirit.
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For her family, however, the fight continues. “A 21-day leave is far too short,” they insist, as they advocate for her right to adequate medical care and a dignified recovery. Mohammadi’s temporary release is a small victory, but her supporters worldwide remain steadfast in their demand for her permanent freedom.