International Coalition 'Freedom for Narges' Condemns New Ruling Against Narges Mohammadi

The international coalition 'Freedom for Narges' condemned the news of a new one-year prison sentence issued for Narges Mohammadi, a human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner 2023, by Branch 29 of the Islamic Revolutionary Court of Tehran on charges of 'propaganda against the regime.' According to the 'Narges Mohammadi Foundation' website, this international coalition called on the Iranian government to cease issuing new sentences against Ms. Mohammadi, which are 'solely based on her peaceful expression of opinions and human rights activities.' The strategic committee of this coalition stated: 'The unjust sentences against Narges Mohammadi issued by the Islamic Republic of Iran are strongly condemned; sentences that criminalize expressing opinions, peaceful activities, and speaking with foreign media and governments,' adding: 'This is a blatant violation of human rights and mockery of justice.' The statement also mentioned, 'We support the recent request of 36 female political prisoners in Evin prison for these kinds of trials to be held publicly with media access and other observers. We also demand the annulment of all charges against Narges Mohammadi and her release.' Additionally, the Nobel Committee condemned the issuance of another one-year prison sentence for Narges Mohammadi. The international coalition 'Freedom for Narges' also urged the international community and governments to increase pressure on the Iranian government to respect human rights and justice, and called on all organizations and individuals committed to human rights to 'join us in demanding justice for Narges Mohammadi and all political prisoners in Iran.' Mustafa Nili, Narges Mohammadi's lawyer, wrote on his social media account on Tuesday, June 29, that Ms. Mohammadi has been sentenced to one year in prison on charges of '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 Ghalibaf, an Iranian journalist and student. According to the Narges Mohammadi Foundation website, this case was opened on May 28 this year by the prosecutor's office, one day after Ms. Mohammadi sent a voice message from Evin prison, and quickly reached the trial stage. The court session for this case was held on June 19 without the presence of this imprisoned human rights activist behind closed doors. According to this report, Narges Mohammadi has been arrested 13 times and convicted 9 times, totaling more than 36 years in prison, and has spent over 10 years in prison and 135 days in solitary confinement. Her current detention began in November 2021 after a sentence was issued in May 2021 for 'propaganda activities against the regime.' The strategic committee of the 'Freedom for Narges' coalition is supported by the Narges Foundation, PEN America, Reporters Without Borders, and Front Line Defenders. This coalition calls on the global community to hold the Islamic Republic accountable for its ongoing human rights violations.