Iran threatens activist with “physical elimination”

Narges Mohammadi, who is an Iranian human rights activist that has fought against the oppression of women, has allegedly had her life threatened by agents of Iran, the BBC via AFP reported on July 11th.

Mohammadi, became a Nobel laureate whilst serving a decade-long sentence in Iran’s Evin prison. Despite her still serving it to this day, she received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023 for her accolades in the battle against the mistreatment of women in Iran—her children accepted the award on her behalf.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has since become concerned for her wellbeing after she informed them of the multiple threats, reportedly coming from “agents of the [Iranian] regime.” The warnings apparently came through her lawyers and other indirect channels.

The committee released a statement, which said: “The threats conveyed to Ms Mohammadi make it clear that her security is at stake, unless she commits to end all public engagement within Iran, as well as any international advocacy or media appearances in support of democracy, human rights, and freedom of expression.” Iran’s foreign ministry is yet to respond to the statement.

Her foundation states that Mohammadi has been arrested 13 times in total, convicted 5 times, and sentenced to over three decades behind bars.

Iran seems to be on a serious crackdown of dissidents, whether within or outside of their borders. Reportedly, British intelligence has found 15 murder or kidnapping attempts on British nationals and UK residents that are linked to Iran, seemingly aimed at individuals who oppose Iran’s regime.

Mohammadi’s fight, as the committee notes, has come at a “tremendous personal cost.” But as the committee’s chair Jorgen Watne Frydn highlights, that burden is shared by “all Iranian citizens with a critical voice.”

BBC via AFP, Maghrebi.org