Jailed Iranian Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi begins hunger strike in detention
Narges Mohammadi, a prominent Iranian human rights activist and Nobel laureate, has started a hunger strike in protest against the inhumane conditions of her imprisonment. Mohammadi, who has been detained since 2015, is currently serving a 16-year prison sentence for her peaceful activism.
The 47-year-old mother of two has been a vocal advocate for women’s rights, the abolishment of the death penalty, and the promotion of peace and democracy in Iran. Her tireless efforts have earned her international recognition and prestigious awards, including the City of Paris Medal of Honor, the Alexander Langer award, and the prestigious Andrei Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought.
Despite her peaceful activism, Mohammadi has been subjected to constant harassment and persecution by the Iranian authorities. She has been arrested multiple times and has spent several years in prison for her activism. However, her latest hunger strike is a powerful statement against the unjust treatment she has received while in detention.
In a statement released by her husband, Taghi Rahmani, Mohammadi’s hunger strike is a desperate plea for justice and basic human rights. She has been denied access to medical treatment, proper hygiene, and regular phone calls with her family. She is also being held in a crowded and unsanitary cell, which puts her at risk of contracting COVID-19.
Mohammadi’s husband has also expressed concerns about her deteriorating health, stating that she has lost a significant amount of weight and is suffering from severe pain and exhaustion. He has called on the Iranian government to release his wife immediately and to provide her with the necessary medical care she urgently needs.
The international community has also joined in the call for Mohammadi’s release and has condemned the Iranian government’s treatment of her. Michelle Bachelet, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, has expressed concern over Mohammadi’s health and has urged the Iranian authorities to ensure her safety and well-being.
Amnesty International has also called for Mohammadi’s immediate and unconditional release, stating that her detention is a clear violation of her rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. The organization has also highlighted the Iranian government’s continued crackdown on human rights defenders and activists, especially women.
Mohammadi’s hunger strike has sparked a wave of support and solidarity from human rights organizations, activists, and ordinary citizens around the world. The hashtag #FreeNarges has been trending on social media, with people sharing messages of support and calling for her release.
The Iranian government must realize that the world is watching and that Mohammadi’s hunger strike is not just a personal struggle, but a symbol of the ongoing repression and injustice faced by activists in Iran. It is time for the government to listen to the voices of its people and to respect their fundamental rights and freedoms.
As Mohammadi’s health continues to deteriorate, the urgency to secure her release becomes even greater. The Iranian government must act now and release Narges Mohammadi and all other prisoners of conscience. It is time for Iran to uphold its international obligations and respect the basic human rights of its citizens.
In the words of Mohammadi’s husband, “Narges is not just a prisoner, but a voice for all those who are silenced in Iran.” Let us all join in solidarity with Narges Mohammadi and demand justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
