Middle East Forum for Development (MEFD) is extremely concerned about the reported deterioration in the health of Narges Mohammadi, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and prominent human rights defender, who is currently detained in Iran.

Credible reports indicate that Ms Mohammadi has experienced major cardiac events and is experiencing serious ongoing symptoms that require immediate specialist care. The denial or delay of access to adequate medical treatment places her life at imminent risk and raises serious concerns under international human rights law, including the obligation of states to ensure that all persons deprived of their liberty are treated with humanity and have access to necessary medical care.

The continued arbitrary detention of Ms Mohammadi, in connection with her peaceful human rights activities, is deeply troubling. The denial of timely and appropriate medical treatment violates Iran’s international obligations, including under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which it is a State Party.

We call on the Iranian authorities to:

• Release Ms Mohammadi immediately and unconditionally, as she is being detained in connection with her peaceful human rights activities;
• Immediately transfer her to a specialised medical facility capable of providing the urgent care she requires;
• Ensure she has prompt, regular, and independent access to qualified medical professionals.

We further urge the international community, including relevant UN mechanisms, to continue to monitor this case closely and to take all appropriate steps to ensure that Ms Mohammadi’s rights are protected.