Mashhad, Iran, Iranian human rights activist and 2023 Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi has been sentenced to more than seven additional years in prison, her lawyer confirmed Saturday.
At 53, Mohammadi has spent much of the past decade in jail for her outspoken criticism of human rights abuses and government policies. Her lawyer, Mostafa Nili, said the sentence was handed down by a Revolutionary Court in Mashhad.
The latest court ruling adds multiple layers of punishment:
- 6 years in prison for “gathering and collusion against state security.”
- 1.5 years for “propaganda against the government.”
- 2-year travel ban
- 2 years of internal exile to Khosf, a city in South Khorasan Province
Although some of the sentences may run concurrently, the decision significantly extends Mohammadi’s time behind bars.
Mohammadi was detained on December 12, 2025, after attending a memorial for prominent lawyer Khosrow Alikordi, whose death raised alarms among human rights groups. Authorities accused her of inciting unrest, a claim she and her supporters vehemently deny.
The sentence comes as Iran faces rising protests and political tensions, reflecting a broader government crackdown on dissent.
Earlier this month, Mohammadi went on a nearly week-long hunger strike to protest her prison conditions and restrictions on meeting with her family and lawyers. Supporters report that her health has worsened due to the strike and prolonged incarceration.
For decades, Mohammadi has been a leading voice for women’s rights, speaking out against mandatory hijab laws and the death penalty. She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023, but could not attend the ceremony because she remained behind bars.
Despite international recognition, the Iranian authorities continue to pursue legal action against her, drawing widespread criticism from global human rights organizations.
Rights groups have condemned the new sentence as unjust and say it highlights Iran’s tightening grip on critics. Experts warn that such punishments could further isolate Tehran on the world stage.
