Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi Warns Iranians Pay Price for War
Narges Mohammadi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, warns that Iranians are paying a heavy price for ongoing war and sanctions. Despite severe repression, she notes a growing wave of resistance rooted in the 2022 protests over Mahsa Amini’s death. Her memoir, released this month, highlights the resilie…
By Felo News Desk · Published
Narges Mohammadi, the 54‑year‑old Iranian human‑rights activist who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023, has warned that ordinary Iranians are bearing the brunt of a protracted war and relentless U.S. sanctions. In an interview conducted by the Associated Press outside Iran, the former prisoner described a society in which economic hardship and state repression leave no room for breathing, yet she also noted a quiet but growing defiance among the people.
From Prison to Nobel: A Life of Resistance
Mohammadi’s story is one of repeated arrests and brutal treatment. She was first jailed in 2009 and has spent more than a decade behind bars, including 161 days in solitary confinement. Her most recent detention began in December when she was beaten by security forces in Mashhad while speaking at a memorial for human‑rights lawyer Khosrow Alikordi. She received a 16‑year sentence and over 100 lashes, though she was never flogged. The severity of her imprisonment—her head was repeatedly struck, and she was held in solitary for two months—made her detention “life‑threatening,” she said.
During her time in Evin Prison, a notorious facility in Tehran, Mohammadi began writing what would become her memoir, "A Woman Never Stops Fighting." The manuscript was smuggled out in fragments by fellow inmates, a testament to the solidarity that exists even behind bars. The book is now available in French, German, and nine other languages, with English and Farsi editions slated for release in September 2027.
War, Sanctions, and the Human Cost
Mohammadi attributes the current crisis to a combination of factors: the 12‑day war between Israel and Iran in 2025, ongoing U.S. sanctions, and the deepening economic crisis that has left many Iranians without basic necessities. She noted that the war’s impact is felt most acutely by civilians, who bear the economic burden while the state tightens its grip on dissent.
She also highlighted the 2022 protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22‑year‑old woman who died in a hospital after being detained for allegedly violating the country’s strict Islamic dress code. The protests ignited a new wave of resistance that Mohammadi says continues to grow, especially among younger Iranians who are more aware of their rights.
The Resilience of a New Generation
Despite intensified repression, Mohammadi sees hope in the determination of the younger generation. She said, "If you go out into the streets, you see a wave of resistance among the people, a wave of awareness, and their determination to stand up for their rights." She added that many now know their rights and are standing firm, giving her reason to hope for a more open future.
Personal Inspiration and the Legacy of Women
Growing up in the 1980s during the Iran‑Iraq war, Mohammadi was exposed to the horrors of conflict and state repression. She credits her mother and other women who "managed to change their world" as inspirations. "I tried to put an image to each of these—how these women really managed to change their world, their society, themselves, the next generation—make them aware, make them resist," she said.
Mohammadi’s memoir, released in conjunction with the anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death, is a tribute to those who fought for human rights. She hopes the book will galvanize further resistance and remind Iranians that their voices matter.
Future Uncertainty and Ongoing Threats
Mohammadi’s legal situation remains precarious. She has been sentenced to a total of 44 years, with a suspended sentence that could be enforced at any time. She is banned from traveling abroad, preventing her from reuniting with her husband and two children who live in exile in France. She warned that the judiciary could order her return to prison at any moment, a threat that underscores the continued risk she faces.
In the face of these challenges, Mohammadi continues to advocate for human rights, hoping that the resilience she sees in Iranians will eventually lead to meaningful change.
Why This Matters
Mohammadi’s testimony underscores the human cost of war and sanctions, while highlighting the resilience of a new generation of Iranians. Her story serves as a reminder that civil resistance can persist even under severe repression.
Key facts
- Mohammadi’s memoir now available in multiple languages
- Iranians bear heavy cost of war and sanctions
- Growing resistance among younger Iranians
- Mohammadi faces a suspended 44‑year sentence
- Solidarity among human‑rights activists is crucial
Why it matters
Mohammadi’s warnings highlight the ongoing suffering of ordinary Iranians under war and sanctions, while her resilience inspires hope for future civil resistance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the status of Mohammadi’s memoir?
It has been released in French, German, and nine other languages, with English and Farsi editions scheduled for September 2027.
Why was Mohammadi arrested in 2025?
She was detained while giving a speech at a memorial for human‑rights lawyer Khosrow Alikordi and was later sentenced to 16 years and over 100 lashes.
What are the risks facing Mohammadi now?
She has a suspended 44‑year sentence that could be enforced at any time, and she is banned from traveling abroad.
Sources
- [1] independent.co.uk
- [2] latimes.com
