Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi has been sentenced to an additional seven years in prison by Iran, following her hunger strike. This harsh sentence comes amidst a broader crackdown on dissent in the wake of nationwide protests and the tragic deaths of thousands at the hands of security forces. The convictions are particularly concerning given Iran's ongoing negotiations with the US over its nuclear program, which could potentially avert a military strike threatened by Donald Trump. Mohammadi's supporters, citing her lawyer Mostafa Nili, revealed the sentence, which includes six years for 'gathering and collusion', one and a half years for propaganda, and a two-year travel ban. Additionally, she was sentenced to two years of internal exile in the city of Khosf, located about 740km southeast of Tehran. The sentence comes after Mohammadi's arrest in December at a memorial ceremony for Khosrow Alikordi, a 46-year-old Iranian lawyer and human rights advocate. Her activism, including public protests and international media appearances, has been a source of concern for her safety. Mohammadi's health has also been a cause for worry, having suffered multiple heart attacks and undergoing emergency surgery in 2022. Her lawyer had previously raised concerns about a bone lesion that could be cancerous, which was later removed. The timing of her sentence is particularly sensitive, as it follows her release on medical leave and the 12-day war between Iran and Israel. Her supporters and activists had warned of the potential for her re-imprisonment, highlighting the ongoing risks she faces in Iran.
