Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate and human rights activist Narges Mohammadi has been handed additional prison sentences totalling seven-and-a-half years, according to her lawyer, in a development that has drawn renewed international attention to her case and the broader human rights situation in Iran.

Mohammadi, 53, was sentenced by a court in the north-eastern city of Mashhad to six years in prison for what authorities described as “gathering and collusion,” and a further one-and-a-half years for “propaganda activities,” her lawyer, Mostafa Nili, said in a statement posted on social media on Sunday. The ruling also includes a two-year travel ban and two years of internal exile to the eastern region of Khusf.

The latest sentences follow Mohammadi’s arrest in December, when Iranian authorities accused her of making “provocative remarks” during a memorial ceremony. Her family has said she was beaten during the arrest and later taken to hospital. The activist has since been returned to detention, despite concerns over her health.

Nili, who said he spoke to Mohammadi for the first time since 14 December, reported that she had been hospitalised three days ago because of her “poor physical condition” before being transferred back to the detention centre where she is currently being held. He added that their phone call was abruptly cut off while she was describing the circumstances of her detention.

The Narges Foundation, which supports Mohammadi and campaigns on her behalf, described the court hearing on Saturday as a “sham” and said she began a hunger strike on 2 February in protest against her treatment. The foundation has repeatedly warned that her health is fragile after years of imprisonment and medical neglect.

Mohammadi’s husband, Taghi Rahmani, said she refused to mount a defence in court, explaining that she does not recognise the legitimacy of the judicial process she faces. He said she attended the hearing in silence, did not speak, and did not sign any documents, describing the proceedings as “a mere charade with a pre-determined end.

Her daughter, Kiana Rahmani, said she was “gravely concerned” about her mother’s physical and mental wellbeing, echoing fears expressed by rights groups and supporters around the world.

Mohammadi has already spent more than a decade of her life behind bars. According to the Narges Foundation, the latest ruling brings the total length of prison time she has been sentenced to over the years to 44 years. Since 2021, she has been serving a 13-year sentence on charges of “propaganda against the state” and “collusion against state security,” accusations she has consistently denied.

Despite her imprisonment, Mohammadi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023 in recognition of her long-standing activism against the oppression of women in Iran and her advocacy for human rights. Supporters say the honour has given her case unprecedented international visibility, even as legal pressure against her continues to mount.

She was granted a temporary medical release from Tehran’s Evin prison for three weeks in December 2024, raising hopes among her family and supporters that her health needs might finally be prioritised. However, she was expected to return to prison soon after, where she has been serving multiple overlapping sentences.

Her most recent arrest occurred while she was attending a memorial for Khosrow Alikordi, a lawyer who was found dead in his office in early December. Norway-based organisation Iran Human Rights has called for an independent inquiry into his death, describing the circumstances as “suspicious.”

The Narges Foundation previously said eyewitnesses at the memorial saw Mohammadi being attacked by around 15 plainclothes agents, alleging that some pulled her hair and beat her with batons and clubs. Mashhad prosecutor Hasan Hematifar said Mohammadi was among 39 people arrested and claimed that she and Alikordi’s brother had encouraged participants to chant “norm-breaking slogans” and disturb public order.

Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnavirakul has declared victory in the country’s general election, as early results show his ruling conservative Bhumjaithai party emerging clearly ahead of its rivals in a result that has surprised many observers.

Speaking after the release of preliminary vote counts, Anutin said the outcome belonged to “all Thais, no matter whether you voted for us or not,” striking a conciliatory tone as his party outperformed expectations. Opinion polls ahead of the election had widely suggested a strong showing for the reformist People’s Party, but the early figures have instead placed the conservatives firmly in front.

With nearly 90% of ballots counted, Bhumjaithai is projected to win 194 seats in the 500-seat parliament in Bangkok, putting it well ahead of the People’s Party, which is forecast to secure 115 seats. While no single party is expected to gain an outright majority, the scale of Bhumjaithai’s lead places Anutin in a strong position as coalition negotiations begin.

People’s Party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut appeared to acknowledge the outcome, saying he was prepared to serve in opposition should Anutin succeed in forming a government. His comments signalled an acceptance of the result and a willingness to contribute constructively to Thailand’s political future from outside power.

The election was held after a period of prolonged political instability, during which several coalition governments collapsed and the country saw three prime ministers in as many years. Against that backdrop, the apparent return of Anutin and his party offers the prospect of greater continuity and a clearer path forward for governance.

Thai elections are often difficult to predict, and this contest proved no exception. The result represents a significant disappointment for the People’s Party, which had hoped to build on its strong performance three years ago. Expectations of an “orange wave” driven by young, idealistic candidates did not materialise in the way many supporters had anticipated.

Instead, voters appeared to favour Anutin’s pragmatic conservative platform, pushing the reformist movement into second place. The People’s Party, which won the most seats in the 2023 election but was ultimately blocked from taking power, will now remain in opposition, where it is expected to continue advocating for reform within the parliamentary system.

Importantly, the outcome has eased fears of a potential political crisis. Had the reformists won again and once more been prevented from forming a government, tensions could have escalated sharply. By contrast, the current result provides a clearer and more straightforward transition toward coalition talks and government formation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said the United States wants the war between Ukraine and Russia to be brought to an end by June, revealing that both Kyiv and Moscow have been invited to the US for another round of talks as diplomatic efforts intensify.

Speaking publicly, Zelensky said Washington had, for the first time, proposed that Ukrainian and Russian negotiating teams meet on US soil, with discussions expected to take place next week. “America proposed for the first time that the two negotiating teams – Ukraine and Russia – meet in the United States of America, probably in Miami, in a week. We confirmed our participation,” he said.

There was no immediate confirmation from either Washington or Moscow, but US President Donald Trump has consistently pushed for an end to the conflict since returning to office more than a year ago, framing a negotiated settlement as a priority of his administration.

The renewed diplomatic push comes as Russia continues to target Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, triggering further widespread blackouts during freezing winter conditions and placing additional strain on civilians and essential services.

In comments released on Saturday, Zelensky provided details of what was discussed during the second round of US-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi, which concluded on Friday without any announced breakthrough. Despite the lack of a concrete outcome, the Ukrainian leader suggested the talks represented steady, if difficult, progress.

“Difficult issues remained difficult,” Zelensky said, referring in particular to territorial questions, including concessions that Ukraine has faced pressure to consider as part of a potential settlement. He made clear that these issues remain highly sensitive for Kyiv.

However, Zelensky noted that the talks marked a new development, with the sides discussing for the first time the possibility of a trilateral meeting involving national leaders rather than just negotiating teams. He cautioned that such a meeting would require careful groundwork, stressing that “preparatory elements are needed for this.”

When asked whether a specific timeline had been set for reaching an agreement, Zelensky said US officials had expressed a clear sense of urgency. “The Americans say that they want to do everything by June,” he said.

He also suggested that domestic political considerations in the United States could be influencing the proposed timeline. “Why before this summer?” Zelensky asked, adding that political factors, including the US midterm elections scheduled for November, could shape Washington’s approach as control of Congress is potentially at stake.