Iranian Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi Starts Hunger Strike in Jail over Denial of Medical Care and Mandatory Hijab Law

Iranian Activist Narges Mohammadi Launches Hunger Strike in Detention to Protest Lack of Medical Care and Controversial Hijab Law, Sparking International Concern and Calls for Her Hospitalization

Narges Mohammadi, an Iranian human rights activist and recent Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has begun a hunger strike in Tehran's Evin prison in protest against the denial of medical care to her and other inmates, and mandatory hijab law for women.
While serving a 10-year sentence, Mohammadi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize last month for her advocacy for women's rights and freedom of expression. Her health condition, including heart and lung issues, requires urgent medical attention which has been denied by prison authorities.
The refusal to transfer Mohammadi for medical care is reported to be due to her refusal to comply with Iran's mandatory hijab law. Other female inmates in Evin prison held protests calling for Mohammadi's hospitalization, but authorities insisted that she would not be sent to the hospital without a headscarf.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee expressed deep concern for Mohammadi's health and described the requirement for female inmates to wear a hijab to be hospitalized as 'inhumane and morally unacceptable.' Calls for the Iranian authorities to provide necessary medical assistance to Mohammadi and other female inmates have since intensified.
The hunger strike and her incarceration have sparked international outcry, adding pressure on Iran's theocracy. Mohammadi's family has held the Islamic Republic responsible for her health condition, drawing attention to the implications of the mandatory hijab law and neglect of medical care for inmates.

South China Morning Post