Iran has imposed an additional seven-year prison term on Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi following her hunger strike, according to her supporters. This move is part of Tehran’s crackdown on dissent in the aftermath of widespread protests and casualties caused by security forces.
The latest charges against Mohammadi coincide with Iran’s negotiations with the United States regarding its nuclear program to prevent a potential military strike by U.S. President Donald Trump. Iran’s top diplomat emphasized Tehran’s strength in opposing major powers, taking a firm stance after talks with the U.S. in Oman.
Mohammadi’s lawyer, Mostafa Nili, confirmed the sentence, which was issued by a Revolutionary Court in Mashhad. The court’s decisions are usually final, offering minimal opportunities for defendants to challenge the charges.
According to Nili, Mohammadi has been sentenced to six years for “gathering and collusion,” one and a half years for propaganda, and a two-year travel ban. Additionally, she faces two years of internal exile in Khosf, located around 740 kilometers southeast of Tehran.
Amnesty International’s secretary-general, Agnès Callamard, criticized the sentence as a reflection of escalating repression by Iranian authorities against dissent and protests. Mohammadi, who has been on a hunger strike since February 2, was arrested in December during a ceremony honoring Khosrow Alikordi, an Iranian lawyer and human rights advocate.
Mohammadi, a prominent figure among Iranian activists, had been warned of a potential return to prison even before her arrest in December. Despite serving a 13-year and nine-month sentence for previous charges, she continued her activism, participating in public protests and international media appearances.
The activist’s health has been a concern, with reports of multiple heart attacks while imprisoned and undergoing emergency surgery in 2022. Her lawyer has indicated the need for temporary release on bail for medical treatment due to her ongoing health issues.
Iranian authorities have adopted a more stringent stance against dissent since the protests, with the judiciary chief warning of severe prison sentences for dissenters. Amid these developments, Mohammadi’s supporters continue to advocate for her release and highlight the escalating repression in Iran.