Nobel Committee condemns Iran’s actions and demands immediate disclosure of her whereabouts and unconditional release
News Report — Arrest of Narges Mohammadi
On 12 December 2025, Narges Mohammadi, the prominent Iranian human rights advocate and recipient of the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize, was once again arrested by Iran’s security forces. The arrest, described by witnesses as violent and coercive, took place in the city of Mashhad, where Mohammadi had gathered with several other human rights defenders to attend the seventh-day memorial ceremony for human rights lawyer Khosro Alikordi.
Mohammadi, who had previously been granted medical leave from prison, was suddenly detained and taken away by security officers. Her family and supporters report that authorities have not disclosed her location, prompting growing concern about her safety.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee issued a formal statement condemning the arrest as “brutal” and unlawful. It called on Iranian authorities to immediately reveal where Mohammadi is being held, ensure her well-being, and secure her unconditional release. The Committee emphasized that Mohammadi, along with other peaceful activists, represents the struggle for freedom of expression, democratic participation, and civil rights in Iran.
Narges Mohammadi has dedicated more than two decades to defending women’s rights, opposing the death penalty, and advocating for civil liberties. Throughout her career, she has been repeatedly arrested and imprisoned on charges such as “propaganda against the state” and “actions against national security.” Her long periods of incarceration—including extended sentences in Tehran’s Evin Prison—have drawn international condemnation.
The timing of this latest arrest comes amid a broader campaign by Iranian authorities to suppress civil dissent and silence human rights activists. Global reactions have been swift: human rights organizations, governments, and international media outlets have denounced the incident as a blatant violation of fundamental freedoms and legal protections.
Mohammadi was awarded the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize for her unwavering “fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her tireless work to promote human rights and freedom.” Her continued persecution has only reinforced her status as a symbol of peaceful resistance and civil courage in the face of authoritarian repression.