A group of Iranian lawmakers have written an open letter to the head of the judiciary calling for the release of Narges Mohammadi, a journalist and activist who is serving a lengthy prison sentence.

Mohammadi was arrested last year after launching a campaign to end the death penalty in Iran.

She was sentenced to 16 years in prison in May for founding the movement, which was deemed to be an illegal splinter group.

In the letter published on October 16, the lawmakers called on Ayatollah Sadegh Larijani, the head of the judiciary, "to apply the clemency and mercy of the Islamic republic" and reunite her with her children.

The lawmakers also mentioned Mohammadi's deteriorating health.

Among the signatories of the letter were parliamentary Vice President Ali Motahari and several female lawmakers.

The European Union in a statement last month said Mohammadi's imprisonment "sends a worrying signal about the human rights situation" in Iran.

Based on reporting by ILNA and AFP