From Paris, Taghi Rahmani, husband of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, expressed deep concern over his wife’s deteriorating health and the Iranian regime’s refusal to allow her hospitalization. Mohammadi, a prominent women’s rights activist, was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison on February 7 for charges including assembly, conspiracy, and propaganda. ‘I am very worried,’ Rahmani said in a phone interview with EL PAÍS. ‘Her health problems will likely worsen with this new sentence.’

Family Separation and Political Struggle

Rahmani, a 67-year-old political dissident, has spent 14 years in Iranian prisons for his pro-democracy activism. He and Mohammadi have long been at the forefront of efforts to expose the regime’s human rights abuses. Their public demonstrations often faced violent crackdowns. ‘Her commitment to the people of Iran is unbreakable,’ Rahmani said. ‘No matter how many times she is arrested, she dreams of freedom for Iranians and feels a responsibility to the people and to democracy.’

The couple’s activism has drawn the ire of the Iranian government, which has repeatedly arrested and prosecuted Mohammadi. She has been in and out of prison for years, and when she is free, she is unable to leave the country due to the confiscation of her passport. Rahmani has not seen his wife in 13 years and last saw his children in 2015 when they fled Iran to join him in Paris.

Regime Under Pressure

Rahmani argues that the Iranian regime is under increasing pressure from social unrest and economic hardship. Protests erupted last December against rising inflation and widespread poverty. ‘The Islamic Republic only addresses its problems with increasingly aggressive repression,’ he said. ‘It needs to silence voices like Narges’s at its weakest moment.’

Rahmani suggests the new conviction against Mohammadi is a response to fears of a popular uprising. He also believes it may serve as a message to the West in response to accusations of indiscriminate violence against protesters. ‘The regime is becoming increasingly aggressive and needs to silence dissenting voices,’ he said.

From Paris, Rahmani continues his political activism through writing for various Iranian media outlets. His articles target social groups the regime seeks to control: university professors, union members, journalists, teachers, and now even people in the film and television industry. ‘I believe that by helping the community, we contribute to change,’ he said.

Changing Dynamics in Iran

Rahmani notes that the regime’s grip is weakening, particularly among the general population. ‘The poor, who aren’t paying attention to politics, are also rebelling because they lack the basic necessities,’ he said. ‘That’s a huge step toward defeating the Islamic Republic.’

He points to visible changes on the streets: ‘Women no longer wear veils. And the morality police, although they exist, are practically inactive.’ The people’s hatred of the regime is openly palpable everywhere, he said. ‘More and more people across the country want the fall of the Islamic Republic.’

Rahmani highlights the shift in sentiment since the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022, when the regime’s brutality against women sparked nationwide protests. ‘The prevailing sentiment was not the collapse of the system,’ he said. ‘People were still talking about reforms. Today, former president Hassan Rouhani is openly criticizing the decisions of the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. This is new.’

In terms of international relations, Iran has been negotiating a nuclear agreement with the U.S. to address threats of military action. ‘I think Iran is making many concessions to the U.S., and it’s in both sides’ best interest to reach an agreement,’ Rahmani said. ‘Nobody wants war, but nothing is certain.’

Rahmani warns that after the U.S. attack on several nuclear facilities in Iran last June, anything could happen. ‘Iran isn’t seeking a war or anyone to overthrow the regime. The people know that such a gift wouldn’t come without a price. And they don’t want it. The problem is the lack of a real opposition to bring about that change. There’s only discontent and disengagement, but that doesn’t mean we want a foreign power to do our work,’ he concluded.

Mohammadi will continue her fight for change from prison, according to Rahmani. ‘Narges will continue fighting for that change from prison.’