Iran: Narges Mohammadi’s temporary release is “insufficient” according to her family
Report on the Press Conference for Narges Mohammadi’s 21-Day Leave from Prison
On December 4, 2024, the Narges Foundation convened a press conference in Paris to discuss Narges Mohammadi’s temporary 21-day leave from prison with members of press. The conferance drew over 30 international news agencies, reflecting the widespread attention to Mohammadi’s enduring fight for human rights, women’s rights and justice.
The press conference opened with a statement from the Narges Foundation, read by Chirinne Ardakani, the foundation’s attorney in law in Paris. The statement addressed Mohammadi’s commitment to her cause despite severe physical suffering. It called for intensified international pressure on the Islamic Republic regime to secure her unconditional release and ensure access to necessary medical care, as long as needed. Ardakani emphasized that temporary leave is insufficient for Mohammadi’s deteriorating health, condemning the denial of medical treatment as a calculated violation of her basic human rights. She also addressed the broader context of increasing executions in Iran, the plight of political prisoners, and the urgency of prioritizing human rights in any negotiations with the Islamic Republic government.
The Chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Jørgen Watne Frydnes, expressed solidarity with Mohammadi, whose Nobel Peace Prize win underscores her exceptional courage and leadership. Frydnes reaffirmed the Committee’s position that Mohammadi should never have been imprisoned, describing the charges against her as baseless and politically motivated. In his remarks, he called on Iranian authorities to permanently end her imprisonment and allow her proper medical treatment. Frydnes conveyed the Nobel Committee’s pride in her unwavering commitment to justice and expressed hope for her reunion with her family.
Taghi Rahmani, Mohammadi’s husband, joined the conference remotely from Mexico, where he was promoting her book, “White Torture”. Rahmani shared that he had spoken briefly with Mohammadi before the press conference. Despite her physical pain, she remains mentally resilient, very positive & hopeful. Upon her arrival home, Mohammadi sang the resistance song “Khoon-e Arghavanha” and chanted slogans of defiance, including “Woman, Life, Freedom” and “Death to the Dictator.” Rahmani voiced concerns about her health and urged the international community to prevent her return to prison.
Ali Rahmani, Mohammadi’s son and Co-President of the Narges Foundation, provided a deeply emotional account of reconnecting with his mother after nearly three years of not even hearing her voice. He recounted her message of determination to fight against the Islamic Republic and gender apartheid. He also expressed his own pride in her courage and insisted that the 21-day leave is insufficient, asserting that she should never have to return to prison.
The press conference highlighted Mohammadi’s resilience and the global importance of her struggle for freedom and justice. It also underscored the support of her family and the critical role of international solidarity in amplifying her voice. The conference ended with a unified call for action, urging the global community to maintain pressure on the Iranian regime to secure her permanent & unconditional release & drop of all charges against her and address the broader human rights crisis in Iran.
