TIMELINE: Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi Unjustly Imprisoned and Mistreated for Advocating Human Rights and Press Freedom
Narges Mohammadi is an Iranian woman human rights defender, journalist, and Nobel Laureate who has been a prominent advocate for human rights, women's rights, and social justice in Iran. She has faced persecution, imprisonment, and physical abuse for her activism and outspokenness against injustices in the country.
The journalist has been recognized internationally for her efforts. In 2023, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her courageous advocacy and dedication to promoting human rights in Iran.
Despite being subjected to physical abuse and unjust imprisonment, she continued her advocacy for human rights.
Throughout her ordeal, including being denied medical treatment and facing new legal battles, Mohammadi's courage and dedication to her cause has never faltered. Narges Mohammadi's perseverance and determination serve as an inspiration to all those fighting for justice and freedom.
Women Press Freedom has been closely following Narges’ case and has been advocating strongly for her release.
The following timeline provides a detailed recap of major events:
2024
August 14
Mohammadi's lawyer reports issues regarding her treatment and communication while imprisoned. Women Press Freedom raises urgent concerns over the ongoing human rights abuses against imprisoned women journalists and activists in Iran, spotlighting the violent assault on Mohammadi by a prison guard. WPF issues a series of policy recommendations urging the Iranian government to improve prison conditions, end violence and torture, provide adequate medical care, and release all unjustly detained women. We call for international action to hold Iran accountable and ensure these women's safety, as their situation represents a broader struggle for human rights and press freedom.
August 9
Mohammadi is assaulted by an Evin correctional officer during a peaceful protest, resulting in bruises and a respiratory attack.
June 18
Nobel Laureate receives an extended prison term, as confirmed by her legal representatives. This additional year in Tehran's notorious Evin prison appears to have been influenced by Mohammadi's outspoken comments regarding the case of Dina Ghalibaf, an Iranian student arrested in April after accusing members of Iran's morality police of sexual assault. Sadly, Ghalibaf passed away while in the custody of the morality police.
May 18
Mohammadi faces a new legal battle following her allegations of sexual assault by Iranian security forces against women. The trial centers on an audio recording in which she criticizes the Iranian regime's alleged campaign against women.
January 24
Mohammadi, along with 61 Iranian women journalists and activists, initiates a hunger strike within Evin prison in protest against the execution of political detainee Mohammad Ghobadlou.
January 15
Mohammadi's imprisonment is extended by 15 months on fresh charges of "spreading propaganda against the state."
2023
December 19
She declines to attend a trial at Branch 26 of Iran's Revolutionary Court in Tehran, citing the political nature of the charges and the denial of due process.
November 29
Mohammadi has her phone privileges taken away, leaving her isolated from her family and legal representation.
November 23
Mohammadi initiates a hunger strike after being denied medical treatment for the second time due to non-compliance with state laws on hijab-wearing.
November 2
Mohammadi is refused medical treatment for a heart condition.
October 10
The journalist is denied access to her lawyer by Evin Prison authorities solely based on her refusal to wear a hijab.
October 6
Mohammadi is awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize for Peace for her efforts in combating the oppression of women in Iran and advocating for human rights and freedom for all.
2022
December 22
Mohammadi gives the BBC details of how women detained in recent women-led protests following the death of Mahsa Amini are being sexually and physically abused.
2021
November 16
Mohammadi is arrested again in Karaj, Alborz, while attending a memorial for Ebrahim Ketabdar, who was killed by Iranian security forces during nationwide protests in November 2019. She is sent to prison to serve her outstanding punishment, 30 months behind bars and 80 lashes.
May
The Branch 1188 of Criminal Court Two in Tehran sentences Mohammadi on charges of committing “propaganda activity against the state.” She receives two and a half years in prison, 80 lashes, and two separate fines for charges including "spreading propaganda against the system". Four months later, she received a summons to begin serving this sentence, which she did not respond to as she considered the conviction unjust.
March 31
In her preface to the 13th Annual Report on the Death Penalty in Iran, Mohammadi emphasizes the need to abolish the death penalty, arguing that it causes violence equivalent to war. She highlights the tragic impact on children left behind after executions and criticizes the unjust legal processes that lead to these sentences. Mohammadi expresses concern over a potential increase in executions, particularly for political prisoners and marginalized groups, urging anti-death penalty organizations to take action
2020
October 8
Mohammadi is released from Zanjan prison. Her release follows the ratification of a law on 11 May 2020, which reduces prison sentences for political prisoners. Ismail Sadeghi Niaraki, chief justice of the northwestern Zanjan province, stated that the defender was eligible for release under the law.
2019
December 25
After her participation in a peaceful sit-in protest in Evin prison, Mohammadi is physically abused by security agents and transferred to Zanjan prison.
2018
August 13
Mohammadi is transferred to Imam Khomeini Hospital due to the intensification of her illness and muscular spasms. The defender has been suffering from severe pains for weeks before the date of her transfer, however her applications for transfer to hospital for treatment were previously refused.
2016
September 28
The Tehran Court of Appeals upholds Mohammadi's sentence.
June 27
Mohammadi initiates a hunger strike to protest the authorities' refusal to allow her to have phone contact with her young son and daughter, who reside in Paris, France.
May 16
The Revolutionary Court of Iran sentences Mohammadi to 16 years imprisonment on several counts including for “membership in the [now banned] Step by Step to Stop the Death Penalty” group, for ”taking part in assembly and collusion against national security” and “committing propaganda against the state”.
2015
July 6
Iranian authorities schedule a hearing for Mohammadi, at Branch 15 of the Islamic Revolution Court of Tehran.
May 5
Iranian intelligence officials arrest Mohammadi.
May 3
At Branch 15 of the Islamic Revolution Court, Mohammadi attends the initial trial hearing, where prosecutors issue a new indictment against her. The human rights defender is now charged with assembly and collusion against national security due to her involvement with the DHRC and collaboration with Nobel Laureate Ms. Shirin Ebadi. Additionally, she faces accusations of spreading propaganda against the state through interviews with foreign media outlets and establishing the Step by Step to Stop Death Penalty group, considered to be anti-security and unlawful.
2014
March 8
Following her meeting with Ms. Catherine Ashton, former High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, at the Austrian Embassy in Tehran, Mohammadi is banned from traveling and faces interrogation about their discussion on several occasions.
2012
July 31
Mohammadi is granted bail for medical reasons due to her deteriorating health.
April 22
Mohammadi is sentenced to six years in prison.
March
Mohammadi's prison sentence is reduced to six years.
2011
Mohammadi is falsely convicted and sentenced to 11 years in prison for charges such as spreading propaganda against the Islamic Republic of Iran, supporting political prisoners' families, being a member of the DHRC, and conspiring against national security.
July
Mohammadi is falsely convicted and sentenced to 11 years in prison for charges such as spreading propaganda against the Islamic Republic of Iran, supporting political prisoners' families, being a member of the DHRC, and conspiring against national security.
2010
Mohammadi is summoned to the Revolutionary Court for her connection to the DHRC. Initially released on bail, she is later re-arrested and taken to Tehran's Evin prison.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.