The head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Berit Reiss-Andersen, has issued a stark warning that the life of imprisoned Iranian Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi is in the hands of Iranian authorities. Speaking on May 3, 2026, Reiss-Andersen emphasized the urgent need for her release from Evin prison, where she has been held since 2021.
Mohammadi, a prominent human rights activist, was awarded the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her advocacy for human rights. She has been repeatedly arrested and sentenced to long prison terms for her activism, including charges related to spreading propaganda and endangering national security.
Reiss-Andersen stated, 'Her life is in the hands of the Iranian authorities. We call on them to release her immediately.' The committee chief also highlighted the deteriorating health conditions of Mohammadi, who has been on hunger strikes to protest her detention and the lack of medical care.
International human rights organizations have echoed these concerns, urging the Iranian government to ensure her safety and comply with international law. The United Nations has also called for her unconditional release, citing her status as a political prisoner.
