112 Nobel Laureates Demand Release of Nargiz Mohammadi

112 Nobel laureates are demanding Iran release Nargiz Mohammadi, a human rights leader, right away and drop all charges against her. Mohammadi’s health has taken a bad turn—she’s been hospitalized in Tehran for several days now.

According to the Nargiz Foundation and other reliable sources, Mohammadi’s health is critical. She’s lost a lot of weight, her blood pressure keeps dropping, and she’s suffering from serious heart problems.

These Nobel laureates warn her life’s in real danger. They're especially worried because she hasn't received proper medical care for months.

Jody Williams, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997, put it plainly: “No one should be imprisoned for peacefully protesting or defending human rights.”

The signers are urging Iranian officials and the global community to act immediately—release Mohammadi and give her urgent medical attention.

May 11

Nargiz Mohammadi was moved to a hospital in Tehran. Her foundation announced on May 10 that she’s “near death” due to the harsh conditions she’s endured in prison.

Her sentence is temporarily suspended, but only because a hefty bail was paid.

Mohammadi, 54, was previously treated in Zanjan, where she was jailed before. Her lawyer, Mustafa Nili, says she’s now in Pars Hospital in Tehran, under the care of her own medical team.

Her husband, Taghi Rahmani, who’s in Paris, says her condition is dire. He told reporters Mohammadi’s blood pressure has suddenly plunged, and she's barely able to speak.

On May 2, her brother Hamidreza Mohammadi spoke to RFE/RL’s Persian service. He didn’t mince words: “She is dying. The harsh prison conditions and abuse have left her on the brink of death. The judiciary and security forces are responsible for her life and all prisoners.”

Mohammadi won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2024 for her fight for women’s rights in Iran. She’s spent much of the last decade behind bars for her activism and was re-arrested in December 2025 at a memorial event in Mashhad, which landed her another 7.5 years in prison.

May 5

UN urges Iran to free imprisoned Nobel laureate

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is worried about Mohammadi’s sharply deteriorating health. His spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said on May 4 that Guterres is “deeply concerned”—he wants Iran to provide Mohammadi with urgent medical care.

US Ambassador Mike Waltz posted about her situation on social media May 5. He points out the abuse she’s taken for speaking out against the regime’s violence toward women and political opponents and urges Tehran to let her get proper medical treatment.

The Nargiz Mohammadi Foundation said on May 1 she was suddenly sent to a hospital in Zanjan after her health collapsed. She reportedly lost consciousness twice, had a severe cardiac episode, and is now in extremely critical condition.

Her brother Hamidreza told RFE/RL’s Persian Service on May 2 that family members saw her in intensive care. Mohammadi remains on a ventilator, fighting for her life.

April 16

Family says life of Nargiz Mohammadi in Iranian prison in danger

Mohammadi suffered a heart attack last month, and now, according to her family and supporters, she’s in critical condition.

Her family and lawyers managed to see her face-to-face for only the second time in prison on April 11. The Nargiz Foundation said her health worsened sharply during that visit—she looked frail and dangerously thin.

Her brother Hamidreza mentioned she’s housed with violent criminals and faces death threats from other inmates.

Mohammadi won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023 for years of human rights activism. She was arrested in Mashhad in December, transferred to Zanjan prison, and has had almost no contact with her family.

With tough detention conditions, a recent hunger strike, and rising tensions in Iran, people are increasingly worried about her survival.

Supporters warn her imprisonment is a direct threat to her life—it could end in tragedy.

April 1

Looking pale, weak during a meeting

Mohammadi’s health keeps getting worse in prison. Her husband, Taghi Rahmani, told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Persian service by phone from Paris on April 1.

She’s in Zanjan prison now, but Rahmani says she needs specialized medical care—and authorities refuse to release her. Mohammadi suffers from lung and heart issues, severe headaches, nausea, and eye problems.

On March 31, the “Free Nargiz” Coalition raised alarms about her poor condition and the lack of independent medical care. Mohammadi’s rights team and a family member finally got to meet her in Zanjan on March 29, after weeks of asking.

She looked pale, weak, and shockingly thin, with the nurse helping her into the room. Rahmani says his wife hasn’t recovered at all since her arrest in Mashhad in December 2025. He claims Mohammadi was beaten by security forces while in detention, leaving her with lasting bruises.

Amnesty International cites an anonymous source who said Mohammadi was found unconscious in Zanjan on March 24, with cold hands and feet, numbness, and a swollen eyelid. The prison doctor suspected a heart attack, but officials wouldn’t let her go to the hospital. Amnesty International is demanding her immediate release so she can finally get the medical attention she needs.