UN Fact-Finding Committee Calls for Immediate Release of Narges Mohammadi

The independent fact-finding committee of the United Nations has officially called for the immediate and unconditional release of Narges Mohammadi, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, journalist, and human rights defender, from Evin Prison in Tehran. In its message, the committee referred to the activities, prison term, and "harassment" inflicted on this political prisoner, stating: "According to received reports, prison officials have repeatedly denied Narges Mohammadi access to essential medical services, and this behavior, which is part of a widespread and systematic neglect of the medical needs of prisoners, especially human rights defenders, journalists, and writers, must stop." The UN fact-finding committee also emphasized that Narges Mohammadi should be immediately released from prison while receiving urgent medical leave, medical services, and necessary medications. May Sato, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Iran, also expressed deep concern over Narges Mohammadi's situation and her return to prison "only two days after surgery" on his social media account, stating: "Along with other UN experts, I have urged the Islamic Republic to release human rights defenders, including women's rights activists, and to provide timely and appropriate healthcare for prisoners." He pointed out that according to international law, "prisoners have the right to access medical services at community standards and immediate medical care." The U.S. Department of State has also repeatedly urged the Iranian government to stop attacks against human rights defenders and to release all unjustly detained prisoners, including Narges Mohammadi. Narges Mohammadi, who has been arrested and imprisoned multiple times over the past two decades, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for "propaganda against the regime" in her latest legal case and is currently in Evin Prison in Tehran. This human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner was returned to prison on November 18, after undergoing surgery to remove a bone tumor from her leg, despite her doctor emphasizing that due to the type of surgery and the location of the lesion, she requires three months of care in optimal conditions. Hundreds of civil activists have called for Emmanuel Macron's efforts to secure Narges Mohammadi's release. More than 40 international organizations have demanded her immediate release. Narges Mohammadi is "suspected of having cancer." Hillary Clinton has called for her immediate medical leave. Narges Mohammadi was sent to the hospital "after a 9-week delay." Several activists have expressed concern about Narges Mohammadi's health status; this situation is paving the way for her "silent death." The "Freedom for Narges" coalition has called for her immediate and unconditional release and access to medical treatment.