Nobel Peace Prize Winner Narges Mohammadi Detained by Iranian Security Forces Amid Memorial Ceremony for Human Rights Lawyer
A chilling development has unfolded in Iran as Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi, 53, was detained by security forces at a memorial ceremony for human rights lawyer Khosro Alikordi in the eastern city of Mashhad. The arrest comes amid heightened tensions and widespread protests against the circumstances surrounding Alikordi's suspicious death.
Mohammadi, who was granted temporary leave from prison on medical grounds last December, was newly detained along with several other activists at the memorial service for Alikordi, whose body was found dead in his office last week. Her brother Mehdi confirmed her arrest to her foundation.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene at the ceremony, where security forces fired teargas and used violence to disperse people who had gathered to pay their respects to Alikordi. Human rights activists, including Mohammadi, were arrested for allegedly chanting "norm-breaking" slogans. The detentions have sparked widespread concern for the safety of human rights defenders in Iran.
Mohammadi's husband, Taghi Rahmani, described the arrest as part of an escalating strategy by the Iranian authorities to suppress dissent, saying, "This is a targeted attack on democracy and the right to freedom of expression." Her children, Ali and Kiana, expressed worry for her safety, stating that she had undergone surgery just a year ago and many other arrested activists have struggled with medical conditions.
Mohammadi's family has urged international attention and support, with Ali saying, "These people don't belong in prison." The Nobel Peace Prize winner has long been an outspoken advocate for human rights and women's empowerment in Iran. Her activism has attracted significant attention from the international community, including her appearances on media outlets and public protests.
The Iranian authorities have yet to comment on Mohammadi's detention or provide details about the circumstances surrounding Alikordi's death. As the situation unfolds, concerns grow for the safety of human rights defenders in Iran and the escalating crackdown on dissent.
Mohammadi was first arrested in 2021 for her campaign against capital punishment and the obligation for women to wear the hijab. Her sentence was suspended temporarily, but she remains under close scrutiny from the authorities. The latest developments have sparked fears that she may be returned to prison or face further harassment.
Human rights groups, including the Center for Human Rights in Iran, have condemned Alikordi's death and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. "Alikordi was a prominent figure among Iran's community of human rights defenders," said the center in a statement. "Over the past several years, he had been repeatedly arrested, harassed, and threatened by security and judicial forces."
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community is left to wonder about the safety of Narges Mohammadi and other human rights activists in Iran. Will they be able to continue their advocacy for justice and freedom, or will the Iranian authorities silence them?
A chilling development has unfolded in Iran as Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi, 53, was detained by security forces at a memorial ceremony for human rights lawyer Khosro Alikordi in the eastern city of Mashhad. The arrest comes amid heightened tensions and widespread protests against the circumstances surrounding Alikordi's suspicious death.
Mohammadi, who was granted temporary leave from prison on medical grounds last December, was newly detained along with several other activists at the memorial service for Alikordi, whose body was found dead in his office last week. Her brother Mehdi confirmed her arrest to her foundation.
Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene at the ceremony, where security forces fired teargas and used violence to disperse people who had gathered to pay their respects to Alikordi. Human rights activists, including Mohammadi, were arrested for allegedly chanting "norm-breaking" slogans. The detentions have sparked widespread concern for the safety of human rights defenders in Iran.
Mohammadi's husband, Taghi Rahmani, described the arrest as part of an escalating strategy by the Iranian authorities to suppress dissent, saying, "This is a targeted attack on democracy and the right to freedom of expression." Her children, Ali and Kiana, expressed worry for her safety, stating that she had undergone surgery just a year ago and many other arrested activists have struggled with medical conditions.
Mohammadi's family has urged international attention and support, with Ali saying, "These people don't belong in prison." The Nobel Peace Prize winner has long been an outspoken advocate for human rights and women's empowerment in Iran. Her activism has attracted significant attention from the international community, including her appearances on media outlets and public protests.
The Iranian authorities have yet to comment on Mohammadi's detention or provide details about the circumstances surrounding Alikordi's death. As the situation unfolds, concerns grow for the safety of human rights defenders in Iran and the escalating crackdown on dissent.
Mohammadi was first arrested in 2021 for her campaign against capital punishment and the obligation for women to wear the hijab. Her sentence was suspended temporarily, but she remains under close scrutiny from the authorities. The latest developments have sparked fears that she may be returned to prison or face further harassment.
Human rights groups, including the Center for Human Rights in Iran, have condemned Alikordi's death and called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. "Alikordi was a prominent figure among Iran's community of human rights defenders," said the center in a statement. "Over the past several years, he had been repeatedly arrested, harassed, and threatened by security and judicial forces."
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community is left to wonder about the safety of Narges Mohammadi and other human rights activists in Iran. Will they be able to continue their advocacy for justice and freedom, or will the Iranian authorities silence them?
my heart goes out to narges mohammadi and her fam 
this is just so unfair, she's already been through so much & now this detention 2. yrs ago she was jailed 4 speaking out against human rights abuses & capital punishment now its like the iranian gov is just getting more & more aggressive in silencing dissension anyone thinking of supporting narges should consider donating 2 her foundation or spreading awareness about her case 
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This is a clear example of the Iranian government's heavy-handed crackdown on dissent 
. I mean, can't they see that Narges Mohammadi's arrest at a memorial ceremony is basically silencing her and other human rights activists? It's like they're trying to shut down the free speech debate in Iran 
. And let's not forget, she was granted temporary leave from prison on medical grounds just last year 
. This is an escalating strategy by the authorities to suppress dissent and silence critics. I wonder if this is part of a larger pattern of intimidation and harassment against activists who dare to speak out against human rights abuses 
. The international community needs to step in and put pressure on the Iranian government to respect human rights and freedoms 
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anyway the international community needs to step in ASAP because like its not fair that these human rights activists r being silenced like this. i feel so bad for narges & her family 
just another example of how hard it is for people like Narges Mohammadi to speak out against injustice without facing the music. she's been through so much already, first arrested in 2021, then granted temporary leave on medical grounds... this latest detaining at a memorial service for a fellow activist is just crazy. 
it's like they're trying to send a message that dissenting voices won't be tolerated anymore. 
narges mohammadi is an icon for human rights in iran, what's next gonna happen to her? 