European Union Calls for Immediate Release of Narges Mohammadi

The European Union condemned the issuance of an additional one-year prison sentence for Narges Mohammadi, a human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, by the Islamic Republic and called for her immediate release from prison. Peter Stano, the EU's foreign policy spokesperson, stated in a statement: "Narges Mohammadi, who has previously been imprisoned and is serving multiple prison sentences totaling over 10 years, continues to courageously use her voice to uphold human dignity and the rights of Iranians." He added that Narges Mohammadi won the Nobel Peace Prize due to her "fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her struggle to promote human rights and freedom for all." According to the EU's foreign policy spokesperson, "fundamental rights such as freedom of expression must always be respected." He further noted Narges Mohammadi's health condition and stated that the EU urges the Islamic Republic to release this human rights activist. Peter Stano mentioned that the EU will continue to support the respect for human rights in Iran and other parts of the world and for the freedom of all those who have been "unjustly" imprisoned like her. Narges Mohammadi, 52, has been imprisoned since November 2021 due to several previous convictions related to her campaigns against mandatory hijab for women and the death penalty in Iran. Mustafa Nili, her lawyer, wrote on June 19 that Ms. Mohammadi was sentenced to one year in prison for "propaganda against the regime." According to Mustafa Nili, this sentence was in response to calls for a boycott of parliamentary elections, letters to Swedish and Norwegian representatives, and comments regarding Dina Qalibaf, an Iranian journalist and student. On April 21, Narges Mohammadi, in a voice message from Evin prison, revealed details about the "beating" and "sexual harassment" of Dina Qalibaf, a journalist and student activist. The issuance of the new sentence against Narges Mohammadi has faced protests from many international organizations and institutions. Narges Mohammadi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate from prison, stated: "I will not participate in the illegitimate government's elections." The World Pen Association condemned the issuance of another one-year prison sentence for Narges Mohammadi. The Nobel Committee condemned the issuance of another one-year prison sentence for Narges Mohammadi. Reporters Without Borders announced the launch of a new campaign for the release of Narges Mohammadi.