By Elsie Kamsiyochi
Nobel Peace Prize winner has been rushed to hospital in Iran and remains in an unstable condition following what her family describes as a severe and life-threatening medical crisis. The prominent activist, who has spent years campaigning for women’s rights and against the death penalty, was transferred from prison to a medical facility after her health rapidly deteriorated.
According to a statement released by the , Mohammadi suffered a “catastrophic deterioration” in her condition, including multiple episodes of losing consciousness and a serious cardiac event. Prison doctors reportedly determined that her condition could no longer be managed within the facility, prompting an urgent transfer to a hospital in the city of .
As of the latest update, Mohammadi remains under close medical supervision and is receiving oxygen support. Her family has expressed deep concern about her worsening state and is calling for her immediate transfer to a specialised hospital in , where more advanced diagnostic tests and treatment options would be available.
The situation has drawn international attention. The , which awarded Mohammadi the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize, had already raised alarms earlier in the week about her declining health following reports that she had suffered a heart attack while in custody. The committee reiterated its concerns about her wellbeing and previously called on Iranian authorities to release her.
Mohammadi, now in her 50s, was awarded the Nobel Prize while still imprisoned, recognised for her persistent efforts to promote human rights in Iran. Her activism has focused heavily on advocating for women’s freedoms and opposing capital punishment—causes that have led to repeated arrests and lengthy prison sentences.
Earlier this year, she was handed an additional prison term of more than seven years, according to her family. This came amid heightened tensions in the region, including the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Rights groups have argued that her continued detention, particularly given her fragile health, poses a serious risk to her life.
Her latest health crisis reportedly began after several days of dangerously high blood pressure and severe nausea. The foundation stated that she fainted multiple times and experienced persistent vomiting before losing consciousness. She was initially treated in the prison’s medical unit, where she received emergency intravenous fluids, before being transferred to hospital.
Mohammadi’s medical history adds to the urgency of the situation. She has previously undergone three angioplasty procedures, indicating an existing vulnerability to heart-related complications. Her family now warns that her life is in “direct and immediate danger” if she does not receive appropriate care.
The activist was most recently arrested in December after speaking out at a memorial for lawyer Khosrow Alikordi, where authorities accused her of making provocative remarks. Her supporters argue that her imprisonment is politically motivated and linked to her peaceful advocacy work.
In their latest appeal, her family has called for all charges against her to be dropped immediately and for her unconditional release. They stress that her continued detention, combined with her deteriorating health, represents a grave violation of her fundamental rights.
Independent verification of her current medical condition has not been possible, but the growing concern from international organisations and human rights advocates continues to intensify pressure on Iranian authorities to act swiftly.