Nahid Taghavi Finally Released from Iranian Prison After Four-Year Ordeal

Nahid Taghavi, a 70-year-old German-Iranian citizen, has been released after over four years in prison, where she faced severe health issues and unfair trials related to women’s rights activism.

German-Iranian woman Nahid Taghavi has been released from prison in Iran after more than four years of confinement as a political prisoner. Her daughter, Mariam Claren, expressed joy over her mother's freedom on X, stating, "It's over. Nahid is free! After more than four years... my mother was freed and is back in Germany." Taghavi, now 70, was arrested in October 2020 and subsequently sentenced to ten years in prison in August 2021 for allegedly forming a group aimed at disrupting national security and spreading anti-government propaganda. These charges were reportedly linked to her social media activism advocating for women's rights, and Amnesty International condemned her trial as unfair.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock celebrated the news, expressing relief that Taghavi can now embrace her family again. Following her release, there has yet to be an official response from Iranian judicial authorities. Taghavi's health suffered significantly during her imprisonment in Evin Prison, known for its harsh conditions. Reports indicate that she experienced severe medical complications due to inadequate medical care, including herniated discs and diabetes.

In July 2022, Taghavi was granted medical leave but was returned to prison shortly after. Prominent fellow inmate Narges Mohammadi had previously warned of the serious risks to Taghavi's health, indicating that her situation was precarious. Despite being granted additional medical leaves, she was monitored with an electronic ankle tag and restricted in her movements.

Mariam Claren voiced mixed emotions upon her mother's release, stating, "Words cannot describe our joy" while mourning the years lost and the trauma endured at Evin. Amnesty International urges Iran to release other dual nationals and political prisoners similarly affected. Taghavi's release occurs amidst heightened tensions following the recent death of another dual national, which has strained diplomatic relations between Germany and Iran.