Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi Hospitalized After Violent Arrest in Iran

Mon Feb 02 2026 22:38:32 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Narges Mohammadi, a renowned Iranian human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner, was hospitalized following a brutal arrest during a memorial ceremony. Her family reports severe injuries inflicted by security agents.

Iranian Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi was hospitalized after a violent arrest last week by plainclothes agents, her family stated. The human rights advocate suffered multiple baton blows and was taken to the emergency room twice. Authorities have not commented on the incident, and the Norwegian Nobel Committee has expressed deep concern over her treatment. Mohammadi, who has spent over a decade imprisoned for her activism against female oppression, continues to call for human rights reform in Iran despite her ongoing legal troubles.

Narges Mohammadi, a laureate of the Nobel Peace Prize and a prominent figure in Iran's fight for human rights, was recently taken to the hospital after experiencing severe violence during her arrest. According to her family, the 53-year-old activist was viciously attacked by plainclothed agents, resulting in serious injuries.

In a phone conversation with her family, Mohammadi detailed that she was taken to an emergency department twice following being subjected to serious blows to her head and neck. Despite reports of her assault, Iranian officials have remained silent on the incident, stating only that her detention was for making provocative remarks at a recent memorial event.

The escalation of violence against activists like Mohammadi has drawn international attention, with notable figures and organizations advocating for her immediate release. The Nobel Committee, alongside acclaimed filmmaker Jafar Panahi, has voiced their concerns, calling for Iranian authorities to ensure her safety and immediate release.

As the vice-president of the Defenders of Human Rights Center in Iran, Mohammadi was awarded the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize for her relentless advocacy against female oppression and her broader efforts in promoting human rights. Her activist work led to over a decade of imprisonment, culminating in a 13-year sentence since 2021 for charges that she vehemently denies.

Previously granted temporary release from the notorious Evin prison on medical grounds, Mohammadi has continued her activism amid treatment. Her recent speech at a memorial for fellow human rights activist Khosrow Alikordi provoked heavy backlash, culminating in chaos as she was assaulted by approximately 15 agents.

Eyewitness accounts described scenes of brutality, with plainclothes agents attacking Mohammadi as she spoke at the event, an act that has since been condemned by numerous rights organizations. Following her arrest, reports indicated that she was threatened with further violence and accusations of colluding with foreign governments.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee's calls for her protection highlight the dire state of human rights and freedom in Iran, underscoring the ongoing risks that activists face in the region.