By TrenBuzz — Special report
Key points
- Iranian human-rights activist and 2023 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi has been sentenced to six years in prison for “gathering and collusion,” her lawyer says; an additional 1.5-year term for “propaganda” and other restrictions were also reported.
- Supporters say Mohammadi — who has campaigned against the death penalty and forced-veil policies for decades — was arrested in December 2025 after attending a memorial in Mashhad and has been on a hunger strike.
- Her sentencing comes amid a wider crackdown on dissent following nationwide protests; international rights groups and foreign governments have condemned the ruling and called for her release.
Narges Mohammadi to six years in prison— the short version
An Iranian court has sentenced Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi to a fresh prison term — reported as six years for “gathering and collusion” (with another 1.5 years for “propaganda”) — intensifying global concern about Tehran’s crackdown on dissent after recent nationwide protests. Her legal team and rights groups say she was detained after attending a memorial service in December and has endured isolation and hunger strikes while in custody.
What the sentence covers (the facts)
- Mohammadi’s lawyer reported the six-year term for “gathering and collusion against national security,” plus a 1½-year sentence for “propaganda” and additional measures including internal exile and a travel ban in some accounts. News agencies differ slightly on reporting the total; many note the sentences may run concurrently.
- She was arrested on Dec. 12, 2025 after publicly criticizing the suspicious death of a lawyer and attending his memorial; during detention she reportedly began a hunger strike to protest conditions.
Why this matters — context and implications
- A high-profile target: Mohammadi is one of Iran’s most prominent rights activists. She won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023 for her long-standing campaign against the death penalty and for women’s rights. Her repeated imprisonment has been a flashpoint for international criticism.
- Wider repression: The sentence arrives as Tehran tightens control after nationwide demonstrations and harsh security responses; observers view Mohammadi’s prosecution as part of a broader effort to deter public dissent.
- Humanitarian and legal concerns: Supporters warn of health risks (Mohammadi has a complex medical history) and say the charges are politically motivated; rights groups and foreign governments are calling for transparency and release.
Reactions — who has spoken so far
- Family & supporters: Her legal team and the Narges Foundation reported the sentence and stressed her fragile health and hunger strike history.
- International observers: Human-rights organizations and some foreign governments condemned the move and urged Iran to abide by international human-rights commitments; the Nobel Committee and allied advocates have repeatedly pressed Tehran for access and humane treatment.
- Iranian authorities: Tehran’s official channels had not publicly acknowledged details at the time of some reports; state media coverage has previously framed such prosecutions in terms of national-security law.
Interactive — what readers should watch next
- Has Iran published the court ruling text or official readout? — If Yes, legal analysts will parse charges and sentencing structure (concurrent vs consecutive). If No, expect continued reliance on lawyer and NGO statements.
- Is Mohammadi receiving medical care or allowed family visits? — If No, human-rights groups will likely escalate appeals and advocacy.
- Will foreign governments issue diplomatic protests or raise the case at multilateral fora (UN, ICRC)? — If Yes, it could increase pressure on Tehran and spotlight the case internationally.
Quick FAQ
Q — Is this the first time Mohammadi has been jailed?
A — No. Mohammadi has been repeatedly arrested and imprisoned over decades of activism and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023 while subject to detention or restricted movement.
Q — Are all her sentences additive?
A — News reports indicate multiple sentences (6 years + 1.5 years), but some accounts note terms may run concurrently; legal documents will provide the final structure. Expect clarification if the court’s text is published.
Q — What immediate protections exist for her?
A — Protections depend on Iranian domestic law and any diplomatic pressure; international human-rights bodies can issue statements and requests but have limited enforcement power inside Iran.
What this means for activists and global opinion
Mohammadi’s sentencing is likely to galvanize rights groups and amplify calls from Western capitals for humane treatment and judicial transparency. It may also harden Tehran’s posture toward domestic dissent during a sensitive period of domestic unrest and external negotiations. For journalists and researchers, it sharpens the need to corroborate official records, monitor health updates, and document legal procedures.