Iran: Statement by the Spokesperson on the arrest of Narges Mohammadi and other human rights defenders

The arrest on 12 December in Mashhad of several human rights defenders, including Nobel peace prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, is deeply concerning.

Narges Mohammadi, who already had to endure years in prison because of her advocacy, bravely continues to use her voice to defend human dignity and the fundamental rights of Iranians, including freedom of expression, which must be respected at all times.

The EU urges Iranian authorities to release Ms Mohammadi, taking also into account her fragile health condition, as well as all those unjustly arrested in the exercise of their freedom of expression.