News Center- The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Islamic Republic of Iran, established by the United Nations Human Rights Council on November 24, 2022, issued a statement on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, November 25, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Narges Mohammadi.

“Narges Mohammadi is a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, a prominent woman human rights defender, and a journalist. To date, she has spent over 10 years in prison and has faced persistent judicial harassment since at least 2009, when she was first arrested for her activism. She is currently serving a combined sentence of 13 years and 9 months on security-related charges, including ‘propaganda against the state’ and ‘collusion against state security,” the statement said.

During Narges Mohammadi’s imprisonment, authorities have repeatedly denied her access to essential medical treatment for her serious health conditions. This forms part of a broader pattern of systematic medical neglect targeting prisoners, including human rights defenders, journalists, and writers, the statement said, adding:

“As we mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the Fact-Finding Mission on Iran calls for Narges Mohammadi’s immediate and unconditional release. Pending this, the FFM urges her release on medical furlough to ensure she receives the necessary medical care and treatment required for her recovery.”

“I remain deeply concerned about Narges Mohammadi, imprisoned 10+ years for her human rights advocacy. She was returned to prison 2 days post-surgery, against medical advice and her legal team’s request for a medical furlough,” Mai Sato, a UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights, said on the social media platform on November 26, 2024.

“Prisoners have the right to healthcare equivalent to community standards and urgent medical attention under international law. I echo the IFFM’s call for Mohammadi’s release. Immediate medical furlough is crucial for her recovery.”