Iranian human rights activist and 2023 Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi has been sentenced to more than seven years in prison, her lawyers and supporting organizations confirmed.

Mohammadi, 53, had been on a week-long hunger strike that ended Sunday, according to the Narges Foundation. She informed her lawyer, Mostafa Nili, in a phone call from prison that she received her sentence on Saturday.

“She has been sentenced to six years in prison for gathering and collusion to commit crimes,” Nili told AFP. In addition, she received a one-and-a-half-year sentence for propaganda activities and will be exiled for two years to Khosf, in the eastern province of South Khorasan. A two-year ban on leaving the country was also imposed.

Nili noted that the verdict is not final and could be appealed. He expressed hope that Mohammadi could be temporarily released on bail to receive medical treatment due to her health concerns.

The activist began her hunger strike on February 2 to protest prison conditions and the restrictions preventing her from contacting lawyers and family. “Narges Mohammadi ended her hunger strike today on its 6th day, while reports indicate her physical condition is deeply alarming,” the foundation said.

Mohammadi was reportedly transferred to a hospital three days ago because of her deteriorating health but was returned to the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention center in Mashhad before completing her treatment.

 “Her continued detention is life threatening and a violation of human rights laws,” the foundation said.

Mohammadi is the second Iranian woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, following Shirin Ebadi in 2003, recognized for her work promoting democracy and human rights.

A prolific writer and journalist, Mohammadi serves as deputy director of the Defenders of Human Rights Center (DHRC), an organization dedicated to defending political prisoners and advancing human rights reforms in Iran. 

She has been a vocal campaigner against the death penalty and corruption and has spent two decades fighting for women’s rights, earning her recognition as a symbol of freedom by the Nobel Committee in 2023.

Mohammadi was arrested on December 12 after criticizing the suspicious death of lawyer Khosrow Alikordi. Prosecutor Hasan Hematifar stated that Mohammadi made provocative remarks at Alikordi’s memorial in Mashhad, encouraging attendees “to chant norm-breaking slogans” and “disturb the peace.”