EU demands release of Iranian Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi

MADRID, December 13 (EUROPA PRESS) –

This Saturday, the European Union called on the Iranian authorities to release the winner of the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize, Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi, arrested Friday during a demonstration in memory of a dissident lawyer, according to the family, who has since had no news of her fate.

In a statement of condemnation, the EU said it was “deeply concerned” about Mohammadi’s arrest and that of other human rights activists in the city of Mashhad, where the rally in honor of deceased lawyer Josrou Alikordi took place.

The Mashhad prosecutor’s office confirmed on Saturday the arrest of 39 people during the event in memory of Alikordi for “disturbing public order”, according to Iranian television Iran International. Among those arrested were Mohammadi, Alikordi’s brother Javad Alikordi, and Sepidé Qolyan, who got into a car and shouted “sophistications” and encouraged those present to chant “slogans against the order.”

“Narges Mohammadi, who has already spent years in prison for his defense work, courageously continues to raise his voice to defend the human dignity and fundamental rights of Iranians, including freedom of expression, which must be respected at all times,” lamented the EU in its statement.

The EU therefore urges the Iranian authorities to release Mohammadi, “also taking into account his delicate state of health, as well as all people unjustly detained in the exercise of their freedom of expression”, it underlines.