Iranian human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi has been transferred from prison to hospital after a serious deterioration in her health, her foundation said on Friday.

The 53-year-old suffered two episodes of complete loss of consciousness along with what was described as a severe cardiac crisis, prompting urgent medical intervention.

In a statement, the Narges Mohammadi Foundation said the transfer was unavoidable after prison doctors concluded her condition could not be treated inside the facility.

It added that previous recommendations for her to receive specialised care in Tehran had not been implemented.

Narges Mohammadi reportedly fainted twice at the prison in Zanjan, in northwestern Iran.

Her lawyers have previously said she may have suffered a heart attack in late March, noting that she appeared weak, underweight and required assistance to walk during a visit shortly afterwards.

Her family has raised concerns about her worsening condition, alleging she was beaten during her arrest in December.

According to relatives, she was struck repeatedly in the head, neck and side by several men.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has condemned what it described as “ongoing life-threatening mistreatment” of Narges Mohammadi.

Iranian authorities have not publicly responded to the allegations.

Narges Mohammadi has been in custody since December 12, when she was arrested during a visit to Mashhad.

In February, she was sentenced to more than seven years in prison, including six years on charges of “gathering and collusion to commit crimes,” according to her lawyer.

Prior to her latest detention, she had been serving an earlier sentence of more than 13 years on national security-related charges, but had been released on medical furlough since late 2024.