Story perspectives

Iranian Activist Narges Mohammadi Hospitalized After 140 Days’ Neglect

5/3/2026

Summary

Story summary

After 140 days of alleged medical neglect, Narges Mohammadi was moved from Zanjan prison to a Zanjan hospital, where she is in intensive care after a cardiac crisis.
Her brother Hamidreza Mohammadi said her blood pressure dropped sharply and that Zanjan prosecutors blocked a transfer to Tehran specialist care.
Lawyer Mostafa Nili reported blood-pressure fluctuations, a fainting episode, and that a prison neurologist ordered a transfer to the cardiac-care unit.

History

Historical Context

In 1988, Iran's judiciary executed thousands of political prisoners during the mass killings ordered by Ayatollah Khomeini, sparking international condemnation. Human Rights Watch documented that over 4,000 detainees died, many after being denied urgent medical treatment in Tehran's Evin prison. Today, activist Narges Mohammadi suffers a cardiac crisis in Zanjan prison, with brother Hamidreza and lawyer Mostafa Nili reporting blocked transfers and neglect reminiscent of 1988 abuses. These recurring violations pressure the United Nations and European Union to consider new sanctions, highlighting persistent systemic failures within Iran's penal system.

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Story summary

After 140 days of alleged medical neglect, Narges Mohammadi was moved from Zanjan prison to a Zanjan hospital, where she is in intensive care after a cardiac crisis.
Her brother Hamidreza Mohammadi said her blood pressure dropped sharply and that Zanjan prosecutors blocked a transfer to Tehran specialist care.
Lawyer Mostafa Nili reported blood-pressure fluctuations, a fainting episode, and that a prison neurologist ordered a transfer to the cardiac-care unit.

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