Introduction
The Nobel Peace Prize winner and women’s rights activist Narges Mohammadi is facing a new trial in Iran. She is not attending the hearings, as confirmed by her lawyer, Mostafa Nili. This trial, held in Tehran, revolves around her activism against Iran’s obligatory hijab laws and capital punishment.
Background on Narges Mohammadi
- Who is Narges Mohammadi?
- Narges Mohammadi, 52, is a prominent women’s rights activist in Iran.
- She was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts in human rights.
- She has been in jail since November 2021 due to previous convictions related to her activism.
- Why is She in Jail?
- Mohammadi’s convictions are connected to her campaigns against mandatory hijab rules and the death penalty in Iran.
Details of the New Trial
- Absence from Court
- The new trial started on Saturday, but Mohammadi chose not to attend.
- Her lawyer, Mostafa Nili, stated the trial was held without her presence at the 29th Branch of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran.
- Charges Against Her
- The accusations include “propaganda against the state.”
- These charges relate to her comments on Dina Ghalibaf and her call to boycott the legislative elections held in March.
Who is Dina Ghalibaf?
- Background on Ghalibaf
- Dina Ghalibaf is a journalist and student.
- She was arrested after accusing security forces of handcuffing and sexually assaulting her during a previous arrest at a metro station.
- Current Status
- Ghalibaf has been released.
- The Iranian judiciary claimed that Ghalibaf’s allegations of sexual assault were false and that she is being prosecuted for making a false statement.
Narges Mohammadi’s Statement
- Call for Public Trial
- Mohammadi’s family shared her wish for the trial to be public.
- She wants witnesses and survivors to testify about the sexual assaults against women by the Islamic Republic regime.
- Audio Message from Prison
- In March, Mohammadi released an audio message from prison.
- She described a “full-scale war against women” in Iran.
Current Situation in Iran
- Increased Surveillance
- Recently, Iranian police have increased enforcement of the Islamic dress code for women.
- They are using video surveillance to ensure women follow these rules.
- Dress Code Rules
- Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iranian women must cover their hair and dress modestly in public.
Conclusion
Narges Mohammadi’s ongoing legal battles highlight the struggles faced by women’s rights activists in Iran. Her refusal to attend her trial and her continued activism from prison underlines her commitment to challenging Iran’s strict dress codes and advocating for human rights.
Table of Contents
References
- Mostafa Nili’s statement on X (formerly Twitter).
- Reports from the Iranian judiciary’s Mizan Online.
- Narges Mohammadi’s audio message from prison.
