Iranian authorities have granted Narges Mohammadi, a prominent human rights activist and 2023 Nobel Peace Prize winner, a temporary release from prison to undergo medical treatment. Mohammadi, who has been serving multiple sentences totaling over 30 years, was allowed to leave prison for 21 days to recover from surgery for suspected cancer.
The decision to suspend Mohammadi's prison term for three weeks, instead of the requested three months, has been criticized by her family as inadequate. Mohammadi underwent surgery in November to remove part of a bone in her lower right leg, where doctors had discovered a lesion suspected of being cancerous.
Despite the temporary release, Mohammadi's family expressed concerns about the limited time given for her recovery. The Narges Foundation, run by her family, emphasized the need for at least three months of recovery for her healing.
Mohammadi, who has spent most of the past two decades in Tehran's Evin prison, has been a vocal advocate for women's rights and democracy in Iran. Supporters view her as a political prisoner detained for her activism.
In November, her family accused the Iranian regime of delaying necessary medical treatment, raising fears of a 'slow death.' Mohammadi's health conditions include arthritis, disc disease, and a heart condition that required an angiography following a heart attack in 2021.
While in prison, Mohammadi has continued her advocacy for human rights causes, including women's rights and peace efforts in conflict zones like Gaza. The Narges Foundation highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Mohammadi in accessing proper medical care and the additional 30-day prison term she will have to serve upon her return.
International figures, including former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, have called for Mohammadi's release, citing her dedication to promoting human rights and freedom for all.
