Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi arrested in Iran

Iranian authorities have arrested prominent human rights and women’s rights activist Narges Mohammadi, the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, drawing sharp international concern.

She was detained on Friday (December 12) by Iran’s security and police forces, reports Al Jazeera.

Following the arrest, the Nobel Committee issued a statement expressing deep concern, urging Iranian authorities to immediately clarify Mohammadi’s whereabouts, ensure her safety, and release her unconditionally.

Mohammadi has long been a leading voice against human rights abuses and violence against women in Iran. After being imprisoned in Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison since 2021, she was granted temporary release for three weeks in December 2024 to receive medical treatment.

Reports say she was arrested while attempting to attend a memorial ceremony for lawyer Khosrow Alikordi, who was recently found dead in his office. Norway-based organisation Iran Human Rights has called for an independent investigation into Alikordi’s death, describing the circumstances as suspicious.

Mohammadi has consistently challenged Iran’s authoritarian policies, including openly defying the mandatory hijab law last year. Her activism has come at a heavy personal cost—she has been sentenced to 31 years in prison and 154 lashes, and has repeatedly been denied contact with fellow activists.

Several other activists were also detained during the incident after chanting slogans such as “Death to the dictator” and “Long live Iran.” Mohammadi’s husband, Taghi Rahmani, condemned the arrest, saying, “They violently detained Narges. This is a clear violation of human rights law.”