Narges Mohammadi at the French Senate: Gallows Have Been Erected in Iranian Prisons

Narges Mohammadi, participating via video conference at the Women’s Rights Committee meeting in the French Senate, stated that the Islamic Republic is seeking revenge on women for the protests following the death of Mahsa Amini. This human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, speaking on Thursday, February 4, after her speech at the meeting, answered questions from attendees. Ms. Mohammadi, who is on medical leave from prison, emphasized the alarming increase in executions or 'government killings' in Iran and the dire situation of political female prisoners, specifically mentioning Pakhshan Azizi and Vrisheh Moradi, two political prisoners at risk of execution. In her address to the members of the French Senate's Women’s Rights Committee, Mohammadi urged them to take bold and pioneering action to criminalize gender apartheid, stating, 'This is a historical, global, and feminist mission.' She added, 'Fighting gender apartheid is not only an action for the liberation of women from subjugation and inferiority but also a pathway to democracy, peace, and freedom. One cannot ignore half of society under domination and speak of democracy, freedom, and equality.' She also referred to the situation of executions and political prisoners at risk of execution, asserting that the Islamic Republic aims to take revenge on women for the protests following Mahsa Amini's death. The Nobel Peace Prize laureate said, 'The noose of Pakhshan Azizi and Vrisheh Moradi, who are imprisoned in the women’s ward of Evin Prison, has been raised over women to force brave and aware Iranian women to retreat. I ask you to join us in tearing the noose from their necks.' Pakhshan Azizi, a social worker and civil activist, was sentenced to death on charges of 'baghi' (rebellion) earlier this August, but the execution has currently been halted due to a request for retrial. Vrisheh Moradi is a Kurdish political prisoner who was announced to be sentenced to death on similar charges this November. While several French citizens are currently imprisoned in Iran, Narges Mohammadi also called on the French government to make human rights a prerequisite and central issue in any negotiations with the Islamic Republic. Mohammadi previously expressed concern about Cecile Couler, a French woman imprisoned in Iran, stating that she is being held in 'terrible conditions' and 'in solitary confinement,' and she is 'very worried' about her situation. The 52-year-old human rights activist added, 'I was able to ask prisoners who spent a few days in a cell with her. They say she is physically very weak, and I am very worried about her.' During her medical leave, Narges Mohammadi visited Mashhad, where she met with supporters and human rights activists. She also visited Vakilabad Prison, calling for the release of political prisoners. Ms. Mohammadi has not yet returned to prison, but the legal status of her case remains unclear.