Narges Mohammadi, an imprisoned Iranian human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize nominee, has reportedly gone on a hunger strike in protest of her harsh living conditions at Tehran’s Evin Prison.
The brave and inspirational woman was apprehended in May 2016 and sentenced to 16 years in jail after she was charged with “membership in an illegal opposition group,” “assembly and collusion against national security,” and “spreading propaganda against the state.” Since then, she has been held in Evin Prison, an infamous penitentiary located in Iran’s capital Tehran.
Narges is a symbol of inspiration and the fight for equality for all. Her advocacy for freedom of speech and human rights has earned her the admiration of many across the world.
Having been detained for four years, Narges’ family and attorney confirm that the activist has been enduring appalling living conditions in the prison, which have been seen as activities of psychological torture, leading her to initiate a hunger strike on Sunday, April 11th.
“I call on the media, human rights defenders, and all those who care about the rights of people to stand by my client and express support for her”, Narges’ Attorney, Hadi Ghaemi, said in a statement.
Ghaemi claims to have contacted the Iranian jail authorities to request a visit to Narges, but has yet to receive any response. Meanwhile, the family of Mohammadi has pleaded for her immediate and unconditional release.
The United Nations and several prominent actors have voiced their condemnation towards the unjust imprisonment of Narges. As a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, she has helped create an international outcry for justice and opportunistic detentions that often occur in Iran.
Two days ago, a global array of prominent figures including Shirin Ebadi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, renown human rights advocate, and several US congress members such as Bernie Sanders, sent an open letter to the Iranian authorities, urging them to release Narges.
The hope for freedom lies in the hands of every individual who has a strong belief in justice and equality for all. Let us continue to join hands and show our support for the exemplary freedom fighter that is Narges Mohammadi.