Iran's Crackdown: Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi Rearrested

Narges Mohammadi, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, was recently taken into custody in Iran. This happened while she was at a memorial service for Khosrow Alikordi, a human rights lawyer who died under mysterious circumstances. The Iranian government has not yet commented on her arrest, but it's clear that this is part of a larger pattern of suppressing dissent. Mohammadi, who is 53 years old, had been out of prison on medical leave. Her supporters say she was forcibly detained by security forces. Other activists were also arrested at the same event. The Narges Foundation has called for their immediate release, stating that the arrests violate basic freedoms. Alikordi's death has raised many questions. Officials say it was a heart attack, but over 80 lawyers have demanded more information. Alikordi was known for his work in human rights and had faced repeated harassment from authorities. Video footage shows Mohammadi speaking at the memorial without a hijab. She led the crowd in chanting the name of Majidreza Rahnavard, who was publicly executed in 2022. This act of defiance highlights the ongoing struggle for human rights in Iran. Mohammadi had been serving a long prison sentence for charges related to state security and propaganda. She had been on furlough since December 2024 due to health issues. Her supporters had warned that she could be rearrested, but her extended leave had given them hope. Her health has been a major concern. Mohammadi has suffered multiple heart attacks and underwent surgery in 2022. Doctors have advised that she needs continued medical care and should not be returned to prison. Despite this, her arrest raises fears for her well-being. This arrest comes at a time when Iran is facing economic struggles and international pressure. The government's crackdown on intellectuals and activists is likely to draw more criticism from the West. It also complicates Iran's efforts to negotiate with the United States over its nuclear program.