Iran – Nobel

Imprisoned Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize earlier this year, is being denied hospital treatment for refusing to wear the hijab. Mohammadi, 51, who is being held in Iran’s Evin prison, has heart and lung problems, and her family say her life could be in danger. Mohammadi has previously made it clear that under no circumstances will she wear a hijab, which has been mandatory clothing for women in Iran since the 1979 revolution. “The prison director has said that it is by order from higher places that there has been a ban on hospitalising her without a headscarf. Therefore, a planned transport to the hospital was cancelled,” the family says. Narges Mohammadi has waged a long struggle for women’s rights in her home country. She has been imprisoned many times and has suffered numerous lashes. In October, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize while in prison. /ritzau/