Over 110 Nobel Laureates Urge Iran to Release Ill Activist Narges Mohammadi 2026

More than 110 Nobel laureates have issued an urgent call for the immediate and unconditional release of Narges Mohammadi, the imprisoned Iranian human rights activist and 2023 Nobel Peace Prize winner.

The joint statement, released on Tuesday, warns that her life is at imminent risk due to rapidly deteriorating health. Mohammadi, who has spent years campaigning for women's rights in Iran, was transferred by ambulance to a Tehran hospital on May 10 after being found unconscious in her cell, possibly following a heart attack.

The laureates, including 26 in chemistry, 29 in medicine, and 11 peace prize winners, demand that Iranian authorities provide her with continuous medical care and drop all charges against her. They emphasize that medical experts warn her life hangs by a thread after months of denied specialized treatment. Among the signatories are authors Annie Ernaux and JM Coetzee, as well as activist Jody Williams, who stated that Mohammadi 'should never have been brought to the brink of death.'

Why This Case Matters for Global Human Rights

Narges Mohammadi has been a tireless advocate for women's freedom in Iran since her first arrest in 1998. She has campaigned against the death penalty and mandatory hijab laws, leading to multiple prison sentences totaling over 44 years and 154 lashes. Her son, Ali Rahmani, based in Paris, insists that a temporary suspension of her sentence is not enough, demanding unconditional freedom and long-term care.

The Nobel laureates' intervention highlights the systematic medical neglect faced by political prisoners in Iran. According to reports, Mohammadi has experienced severe weight loss, unstable blood pressure, and cardiac symptoms while in detention. The international community is urged to act without delay to prevent a potential tragedy.

Key Demands from the Nobel Laureates

• Immediate and unconditional release of Narges Mohammadi
• Continued access to specialized medical treatment
• Dropping of all charges against her
• An end to judicial persecution of human rights defenders

Voices of Solidarity

Yemeni journalist and Nobel laureate Tawakkol Karman called Mohammadi 'the fearless voice of women resisting oppression.' She added, 'No prison can silence the struggle for dignity and justice. The world must continue to stand with the women of Iran.' Jody Williams, the US anti-landmine activist and 1997 peace prize winner, stressed that no one should be imprisoned for peaceful protest or defending human rights.

The 112 signatories include laureates in physics, economics, literature, and peace, making this a rare cross-disciplinary appeal. The statement warns that Mohammadi's transfer to hospital is only temporary, and she may be returned to prison if her condition improves. This creates a critical window for international pressure to secure her permanent freedom.

Broader Context of Iran's Crackdown on Activists

Iran has faced widespread criticism for its treatment of political prisoners, especially women activists. Since the 2022 protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, authorities have intensified arrests and sentencing. Mohammadi's case is emblematic of the regime's crackdown on dissent and the use of medical neglect as a tool of control. Human rights organizations have documented dozens of similar cases where prisoners are denied care until near death.

The Nobel laureates' appeal is a powerful reminder that the international community must not remain silent. As Mohammadi's son stated, 'We do not just want her out of a cell for a few days; we demand a permanent end to this judicial persecution.'

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Narges Mohammadi?

Narges Mohammadi is an Iranian human rights activist and the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. She has been imprisoned multiple times for her advocacy for women's rights, abolition of the death penalty, and opposition to mandatory hijab laws. She has been sentenced to over 44 years in prison and 154 lashes.

Why did the Nobel laureates issue this statement?

Over 110 Nobel laureates issued the statement because Mohammadi's health is critically deteriorating after months of denied medical care. They fear her life is at imminent risk and demand her immediate release and access to treatment. The signatories include experts across multiple disciplines who believe her situation is a human rights emergency.

What can the international community do?

The international community can apply diplomatic pressure on Iran through sanctions, public statements, and United Nations resolutions. Organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch are also calling for her release. Individuals can raise awareness by sharing her story and supporting campaigns for political prisoners' rights.