UPDATE: Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi has been sentenced to an additional seven years in prison following her hunger strike, supporters confirmed. This urgent development comes as Iran navigates tense negotiations with the United States regarding its nuclear program, amidst threats of military action from President Donald Trump.
The new sentence was handed down by a Revolutionary Court in Mashhad on June 18, 2024, as reported by Mohammadi’s lawyer, Mostafa Nili. He revealed on social media that the verdict included six years for “gathering and collusion” against the regime, one and a half years for propaganda, and a two-year travel ban. Furthermore, she has been sentenced to two years of internal exile to Khosf, approximately 460 miles southeast of Tehran.
Supporters have raised alarm over Mohammadi’s health, stating she has been on a hunger strike since February 2. Her activism has continued despite her imprisonment, as she had previously been released on furlough in December 2024 due to medical concerns. Mohammadi had been serving a prison term of 13 years and 9 months for charges including collusion and propaganda against the Iranian government.
The situation escalates further as Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, emphasized Iran’s commitment to enriching uranium during a summit in Tehran. This stance poses a significant challenge in the ongoing diplomatic negotiations with the U.S. and reflects Iran’s hardened approach to dissent since the protests that erupted following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022.
Mohammadi’s plight resonates deeply with human rights advocates globally. Her history of health issues while incarcerated, including multiple heart attacks and a recent bone lesion that raised cancer concerns, underscores the urgent need for international attention and action. She has become a symbol of resistance against oppressive regimes, highlighting the human cost of political strife in Iran.
As this story develops, the international community watches closely. Activists are calling for immediate action to support Mohammadi and others like her who are imprisoned for their beliefs. The implications of her sentencing, particularly in the context of Iran’s negotiations with world powers, could affect geopolitical stability in the region.
Stay tuned for further updates on this critical situation as it unfolds.
