Detention during memorial in Mashhad sparks concern
Iranian security forces have arrested Nobel peace prize laureate Narges Mohammadi during a memorial ceremony in the eastern city of Mashhad, raising fresh concerns about her health and safety. Mohammadi, 53, was detained alongside several other human rights activists while attending a gathering for Khosro Alikordi, a lawyer and rights defender who was found dead in his office last week.
Mohammadi had been temporarily released from prison in December 2024 on medical grounds. Her brother Mehdi, who attended the ceremony, confirmed her arrest, according to her foundation. There was no immediate clarification from authorities about where she is being held.
Arrest linked to public remarks and protests
A member of Mohammadi’s team said her detention appeared directly linked to remarks she made at the memorial, where activists gathered to protest what they believe may have been a suspicious, possibly state linked death. Officials in Iran’s Razavi Khorasan province have said Alikordi died of a heart attack, but a heavy security crackdown following his death has fueled doubts among colleagues and supporters.
More than 80 lawyers have signed a statement demanding transparency around Alikordi’s death. The New York based Center for Human Rights in Iran described him as a prominent defender who had faced repeated arrests, harassment and threats by security forces.
Family and supporters fear for her health
Mohammadi’s husband, Taghi Rahmani, speaking from Paris, said he was deeply worried about his wife and the other activists detained. He described the arrests as part of an escalating effort by Iranian authorities to silence dissent and suppress freedom of expression.
Her children, Ali and Kiana, said they were alarmed given their mother’s fragile health. Mohammadi previously suffered multiple heart attacks while in prison and underwent emergency surgery in 2022. Doctors later removed a bone lesion that was feared to be cancerous.
Authorities defend detentions
Hasan Hosseini, the governor of Mashhad, said prosecutors ordered the temporary detention of some participants over chanting what he called “norm breaking” slogans. State television reported the detentions were intended as a preventive measure to maintain order and protect participants.
Footage from the event showed Mohammadi speaking to the crowd and leading chants that referenced victims of past executions, a move likely to have drawn the attention of security forces.
International calls for her release
Mohammadi’s lawyer, Chirinne Ardakani, called for her immediate release and urged Iranian authorities to free all activists detained at the ceremony. She also demanded an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Alikordi’s death.
Mohammadi, imprisoned since 2021 for her campaigns against the death penalty and compulsory hijab laws, was awarded the 2023 Nobel peace prize for her advocacy. Supporters say her latest arrest underscores the risks she continues to face for her activism.
