Tehran, Iran – Amid alarming reports of her deteriorating health in detention, international pressure is mounting on Iranian authorities to ensure the safety of Nobel Peace Prize laureate and human rights activist Narges Mohammadi.
Following similar calls from the Canadian government, France and Spain have urged that she receive immediate medical attention and be released unconditionally.
A sharp deterioration in health condition
On Friday, the Narges Mohammadi Foundation revealed that the activist had been urgently transferred from Zanjan Prison to a hospital following a sudden and severe deterioration in her vital functions.
A week after her hospitalization, the foundation issued a statement via its X platform, confirming that her physical condition “remains unstable.” It also warned that concerns regarding her heart condition “have increased dangerously,” necessitating specialized medical intervention. The foundation emphasized that such intervention is unavailable within the prison walls.
France holds Tehran fully responsible
In a firm official response, the French government expressed its full solidarity with Ms. Mohammadi, holding the Iranian authorities “fully responsible for this tragic situation.”
Paris called on Tehran to take all necessary measures for her recovery and reiterated its call for her immediate release, as well as the release of all those arbitrarily detained in Iranian prisons. It also declared her physical safety a red line.
Spanish and Canadian diplomatic move
For its part, Spain escalated its diplomatic rhetoric, with the Foreign Ministry summoning the Iranian ambassador in Madrid to inform him of the government’s demand for the immediate release of the Nobel laureate.
The Spanish Foreign Minister expressed his “deep concern” regarding the deteriorating health of the prominent human rights and women’s rights advocate, emphasizing the need for her to receive appropriate medical treatment.
Canada also joined this movement, with its Foreign Minister issuing a statement expressing his country’s profound concern and asserting that the activist’s dire condition is a direct result of the harsh conditions of her detention.
Human rights under the microscope of the international community
These international moves have once again placed Iran’s human rights record under the international community’s scrutiny. Observers warn that any harm to Narges Mohammadi’s safety will have serious diplomatic consequences. It will also deepen Tehran’s international isolation at a time when calls are growing to end the repression of women’s rights defenders.
