Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi Detained and Allegedly Abused as Iran Intensifies Repression of Nationwide Protests.

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Protests in Iran continue to shake the Islamic Republic, leading to aggressive repression by governmental authorities. According to multiple sources, Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi is among the hundreds of demonstrators who have been impacted by this fierce response.

In December 2025, Narges Mohammadi’s family reported to the Narges Foundation that she was arrested by Iranian Security Forces in the northeastern city of Mashhad. One week after her arrest, Mohammadi was taken to the hospital twice, where she received treatment for injuries described by her family as “severe blows”. For instance, the Nobel laureate was able to briefly speak on the phone with her relatives, during which she communicated that had been subjected to repeated beatings while in detention. According to the Narges Foundation, Mohammadi was taken into custody by Iranian authorities while she was attending a meeting related to the passing of human rights attorney Khosrow Alikordi. Supporters posted pictures of her addressing the crowd shortly before the arrival of security forces. 

Iranian Authorities have not commented on the accusations brought forward by Mohammadi’s family. However, they confirmed that they ordered security forces to temporarily arrest several attendees at the gathering, as they were chanting slogans described as “norm-breaking”. In addition, they justified Mohammadi’s detention by stating that it was enforced as a precautionary measure to keep her safe from other members of the crowd. Meanwhile, the Nobel laureate told her family that authorities accused her of "cooperating with the Israeli government" and threatened to kill her. Mohammadi, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023 for her activism in defense of women’s and human rights in Iran over the past decade, has been imprisoned multiple times and had previously been released for medical reasons.

Large demonstrations erupted at the end of 2025, becoming the largest in Iran since 2022, when thousands took the streets nationwide to protest against the regime following the death of 22-year old Mahsa Amini. This time, the trigger for the unrest was the fall of the national currency to a record low against the US dollar. The worsening economic and financial situation in Iran also led to the resignation of Central Bank head Mohammad Reza Farzin, sparking rallies by traders and shopkeepers. Rapid currency depreciation provoked a sharp increase in the cost of food and other basic necessities. According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, demonstrations have soon expanded to include criticism of Iran’s theocratic system, spreading to more than 100 locations nationwide. Repression by security forces has reportedly resulted in numerous abuses, with 2600 arrested and at least 78 people killed. Additionally, an ongoing internet shutdown has been imposed by officials aiming at hiding the real extent of grave human rights violations.

United States President Donald Trump commented on the overall situation, stating that “if Tehran violently kills peaceful protesters,” the United States “will come to their rescue.” United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on authorities “to uphold the right of freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly.” Stressing that “all individuals must be allowed to protest peacefully and express their grievances.” He also underlined the importance of preventing further casualties during the protests. In addition, the European Union Spokesperson issued a statement condemning the detention of Narged Mohammadi, describing it as “deeply concerning” and praising the activist, who “already had to endure years in prison because of her advocacy, bravely continues to use her voice to defend human dignity and the fundamental rights of Iranians, including freedom of expression, which must be respected at all times.”

written by Ludovica Muncibì