Nahid Taghavi Released After Four Years of Imprisonment in Iran

Nahid Taghavi, a 70-year-old German-Iranian woman, has been released from Iranian prison after being held for over four years on charges related to political dissent. Following her release, concerns remain for other detained dual nationals and political prisoners.

Nahid Taghavi, a German-Iranian woman of 70, has been released from prison in Tehran after spending more than four years as a political prisoner. Her daughter, Mariam Claren, announced the news on X, expressing her joy over her mother’s release and return to Germany. Taghavi was arrested in October 2020 and sentenced to ten years in prison in August 2021 for allegedly forming a group aimed at disrupting national security and disseminating propaganda against the Iranian system. Amnesty International reports that the charges were closely tied to her advocacy for women’s rights on social media, emphasizing that the trial she faced was grossly unfair.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock expressed her delight on social media at Taghavi’s reunion with her family, emphasizing the importance of her freedom. However, there has been no response yet from the Iranian judiciary regarding her release. Amnesty International highlighted that Taghavi’s health had severely deteriorated during her time in the notorious Evin prison, which is known for its harsh conditions. Reports indicate that she spent seven months in solitary confinement and suffered from various health issues, including osteoporosis, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

In July 2022, Taghavi was granted medical leave to address her health problems, but she was returned to prison after four months. Fellow inmate and Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi had previously issued alerts about Taghavi's deteriorating condition, stating her life was at risk due to extensive pain. Following her release, Taghavi’s daughter shared her overwhelming joy while also mourning the years lost and trauma endured by her mother.

The situation surrounding Taghavi’s release draws attention to the continued plight of other dual nationals and political prisoners in Iran. Amnesty International is urging Iranian authorities to liberate those unjustly detained. This release follows diplomatic tensions between Iran and Germany, particularly after the controversial death of another German-Iranian dual national, Jamshid Sharmahd, which stirred significant concern and anger among German officials and the broader international community.