Iranian human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi has alleged that she was brutally beaten and violently arrested by Iranian security forces in the northeastern city of Mashhad, before being accused of “collaboration with the State of Israel.” This marks her first public account since her detention earlier this month.
According to a statement shared by her family and published via a social media account managed by her foundation, Mohammadi endured severe physical abuse during both her arrest and detention. In a brief phone call to her family after several days without contact, she described being repeatedly struck on the head and neck with batons, while security officers allegedly threatened her by saying: “We will make your mother mourn for you.”
Her family reported that Mohammadi was in poor physical condition during the call and urged her legal team to immediately file a formal complaint against the security agency responsible for her arrest.
Mohammadi, 53, was awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize for more than two decades of activism in defense of women’s rights, political prisoners, and civil liberties in Iran. She traveled to Mashhad on December 11 to attend a memorial marking seven days since the death of Khosrow Alikordi, a prominent human rights lawyer whose death has sparked widespread controversy.
Mashhad prosecutor Hassan Hematifar confirmed on December 13 that 39 people were arrested during the memorial ceremony, stating that the gathering was allegedly “organized and led” by individuals connected to Alikordi, including his brother Javad Alikordi, who was also detained.
Witnesses and family members said security forces violently disrupted the memorial, leading to clashes in which tear gas was reportedly used.
Mohammadi’s husband, Taghi Rahmani, told Radio Farda that authorities have accused her of “leading” the gathering and turning it into an anti-regime protest. He expressed deep concern over the delay in formally charging her, warning that it suggests authorities may be preparing additional measures against her.
According to Mohammadi, the beatings were so severe that she was taken to emergency medical care twice, and she remains unaware of which security agency is currently holding her.
Her family further stated that approximately 15 individuals, all in plain clothes, participated in the assault, with some allegedly pulling her hair while others beat her with batons and truncheons.
The accusation of “collaboration with Israel” is one frequently used by Iranian authorities against political dissidents and human rights defenders, often carrying severe legal consequences.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee strongly condemned Mohammadi’s “brutal arrest”, calling on Iranian authorities to immediately clarify her whereabouts, guarantee her safety and physical integrity, and release her unconditionally.
Several other activists, including Sepideh Gholian and Pouran Nazemi, were also reportedly beaten during the clashes. Family members of detainees have warned of serious health risks, particularly for prisoners requiring ongoing medical treatment.
Mohammadi has spent much of the past decade behind bars, previously serving a combined sentence of 13 years and nine months before being released for medical reasons in December 2024. At the time of her latest arrest, she was reportedly still undergoing treatment for an undisclosed illness.
Despite her release, she had resumed her human rights work, meeting activists across Iran and participating in international discussions, including virtual conferences with global audiences.
