Dear Friends, 

On 11 June, together with PEN America, Front Line Defenders, and the Narges Foundation, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) launched a dynamic new international coalition united in calling for the immediate release of Iranian journalist, writer, and human rights defender Narges Mohammadi. 

Laureate of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023, as well as laureate of RSF’s Prize for Courage in 2022, Narges Mohammadi has been detained in Iran’s Evin prison since November 2021 on multiple charges of committing “propaganda activity against the state". The Free Narges Coalition launched following an 8 June court hearing in a new case that could further lengthen her prison sentence.

Throughout her lifetime of journalism and activism, Narges Mohammadi has been arrested 13 times, convicted five times, and received prison sentences totalling more than 35 years. She has also endured 135 days in solitary confinement, recognised internationally as a form of torture. Her current period of detention started in November 2021, following her sentencing in May 2021 on charges of committing “propaganda activity against the state". Since that time, adding further cases brought against her, she has now been sentenced to 13 years and two months in prison, as well as 154 lashes. 

During her time in detention, Mohammadi has been denied access to healthcare, medical furlough, and contact with her family, which has led to her going on hunger strike three times demanding these rights for herself and other prisoners. She has also been subjected to other abusive treatment in custody. 

Together, the Free Narges Coalition urges the global community to hold the Iranian government accountable for its abuses. 

More than ever, Reporters Without Borders (RSF) needs your support. It is thanks to your generosity that we can keep up the pressure on governments and political powers, demanding freedom and protection for courageous individuals like Narges. Thank you for your valuable support!