The brother of Iranian Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi fears for her life after she allegedly suffered a heart attack in Zanjan Prison, located in north-west Iran.
Hamidreza Mohammadi, residing in Norway, disclosed to the BBC that the 53-year-old human rights advocate was discovered unconscious in her prison bed last week. Following the incident, she was moved to the prison infirmary, yet officials refused to allow her transfer to a hospital despite her known cardiovascular issues.
Highlighting the traumatic environment, he emphasized the stress added by ongoing strikes and explosions near the prison since the commencement of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, which he claims exacerbates her precarious health situation. This war has had a terrible effect on prisoners in Iran. If the prison gets hit, if the prisoners need immediate medical attention, they will not get anything and their lives are in danger, he warned.
Mohammadi's medical troubles have intensified during her imprisonment. She has a history of heart and lung problems, alongside severe blood pressure fluctuations. Additionally, bruises and headaches have reportedly persisted since her violent arrest in December.
Mohammadi, awarded the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize for her advocacy against female oppression and her human rights work, has spent more than ten years in prison under various charges including propaganda activity against the state. Her family calls for her immediate release to facilitate necessary medical assessments.
As of now, her incarceration remains controversial amid increasing global attention on human rights in Iran, especially against the backdrop of recent protests where thousands have been detained.
