On Tuesday 12 May 2026 the Guardian reported that more than 110 Nobel laureates have called for the immediate and unconditional release of Narges Mohammadi, the imprisoned Iranian human rights activist and Nobel peace prize laureate, after she was transferred to hospital amid concerns over her rapidly deteriorating health
In a statement 112 Nobel laureates urged the Iranian authorities and the international community to act “without delay” to secure Mohammadi’s release and ensure her continued access to medical treatment.
Mohammadi, who was awarded the 2023 Nobel peace prize for decades of campaigning for women’s rights in Iran was transferred by ambulance in a critical medical condition to Tehran’s Pars hospital on 10 May for specialised treatment. [https://humanrightsdefenders.blog/2023/10/06/jailed-iranian-human-rights-defender-narges-mohammadi-wins-nobel-peace-prize-2023/]
The human rights activist has experienced severe weight loss, unstable blood pressure and serious cardiac symptoms while in detention, and was found unconscious in her cell after a possible heart attack. Mohammadi’s transfer to hospital is only a temporary respite and her representatives fear she will be returned to prison if her condition improves.
The signatories included 26 Nobel laureates in chemistry, 12 in economics, five in literature, 29 in medicine, 11 peace laureates and 29 in physics, and include the authors Annie Ernaux and JM Coetzee.
Mohammadi has been repeatedly detained by Iranian authorities for her activism since first being arrested in 1998, including her campaigns against the death penalty and Iran’s mandatory hijab laws. She has been sentenced to more than 44 years in prison and 154 lashes over multiple sentences. [https://humanrightsdefenders.blog/2026/01/16/many-ngos-raise-alarm-over-situation-of-detained-human-rights-defenders-in-iran-and-urge-un-human-rights-council-to-convene-a-special-session/]
Iranian human rights activist and 2023 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi has returned to her home after being discharged from hospital, her foundation said.
Mohammadi, 54, was released from Pars Hospital in Tehran on Sunday 17 May 2026 the Narges Foundation said on Monday. She was transferred from prison to a hospital in early May after she had two episodes of loss of consciousness and a severe cardiac crisis. [https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/5/18/iranian-nobel-laureate-narges-mohammadi-returns-home-after-hospital-release]
Hans Thoolen on Human Rights Defenders and their awards 
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