Imprisoned Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi has been urgently transferred from a detention facility in northwestern Iran to a hospital after a sharp and dangerous decline in her health, following multiple episodes of unconsciousness and a severe cardiac emergency that raised immediate concerns about her survival.
According to her foundation, Mohammadi fainted twice inside Zanjan prison and suffered what was described as a critical heart-related crisis, prompting medical staff to move her to a hospital when her condition could no longer be managed within the prison system. Her deteriorating health had reportedly been evident for weeks, with earlier indications suggesting she may have already suffered a heart attack in March, accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, breathing difficulty, and extreme physical weakness.
Her family and legal representatives have strongly criticised the delay in providing adequate medical care, stating that the hospital transfer came only after more than four months of what they describe as systematic medical neglect. They argue that repeated requests for specialised treatment in better-equipped facilities, including in Tehran, were denied despite clear medical recommendations, leaving her condition to worsen significantly over time.
Relatives have warned that the intervention may have come too late to fully address the severity of her condition, describing the transfer as a last-minute response taken under pressure rather than a timely medical decision. Her brother, speaking from abroad, said the family is now focused on ensuring she receives proper care while also facing obstacles from local authorities that have limited access and delayed approvals.
Mohammadi, a prominent human rights advocate and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023, has a long history of health complications during her imprisonment, including previous heart issues that required surgery. Despite temporary releases on medical grounds in the past, she was re-arrested and sentenced to additional prison time, with authorities accusing her of activities related to national security and political dissent.
Her case has drawn international attention not only because of her activism but also due to concerns about her treatment in custody. Rights groups and global organisations have repeatedly called for improved medical care and her release, especially given her worsening condition and the broader pattern of pressure on dissenting voices within the country.
The latest development underscores the intersection of health, human rights, and political tension, as Mohammadi remains both a symbol of resistance and a focal point of international scrutiny over prison conditions and due process in Iran.
