Iranian Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi Hospitalized After Cardiac Crisis in Prison

Narges Mohammadi, an Iranian human rights activist and 2023 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, was urgently transferred to a hospital in Zanjan after suffering a severe cardiac crisis and two episodes of loss of consciousness in prison. The transfer followed determinations by prison doctors that her condition could not be managed on-site, despite recommendations for treatment by specialists in Tehran.

Mohammadi, in her 50s, experienced dangerously high blood pressure, severe nausea, and multiple bouts of vomiting before fainting on Friday morning. She was moved to the prison medical unit for emergency intravenous fluids, but her condition necessitated hospital admission.

The activist has undergone three angioplasty procedures and faces an immediate threat to her life, according to the foundation run by her family.

Mohammadi won the Nobel Peace Prize while in prison for campaigning to advance women's rights and abolish the death penalty in Iran. She was arrested in December after denouncing the death of lawyer Khosrow Alikordi at a memorial ceremony in Mashhad, where prosecutor Hasan Hematifar stated she made provocative remarks and encouraged chants that disturbed the peace.

In February, Mohammadi was sentenced to a new term of 7-1/2 years in prison, weeks before the U.S. and Israel launched their war against Iran.

“This transfer was done as an unavoidable necessity after prison doctors determined her condition could not be managed on-site, despite standing medical recommendations that she be treated by her specialized team in Tehran.”

The secretary of the Norwegian Nobel Committee expressed concern that Mohammadi's condition was worsening after she suffered a heart attack in prison. The Nobel committee previously called on Tehran to free her immediately following her February sentencing. The foundation urged that all charges against Mohammadi be dropped and sentences for her human rights work be annulled.

Mohammadi was believed to have suffered a heart attack in late March, appearing pale and underweight during a visit, requiring assistance to walk. Her family reported in February that her health was worsening due to mistreatment, including an alleged beating during her December arrest. The Iranian government has not commented on the allegations of mistreatment.

Prior to her December arrest, Mohammadi had been serving a sentence of 13 years and nine months on charges of collusion against state security and propaganda against the government. She had been released on furlough since late 2024 due to medical concerns. The foundation described the recent hospital transfer as a desperate measure that might not fully address her critical needs.