In a resounding acknowledgment of her unwavering dedication, Narges Mohammadi, a prominent women’s rights advocate imprisoned for her activism in Iran, was honored with the Nobel Peace Prize. The Norwegian Nobel Committee, led by Berit Reiss-Andersen, recognized her for her relentless struggle against the oppression of women in Iran and her relentless advocacy for human rights and freedom.
Narges Mohammadi, who has endured multiple arrests and imprisonments over the past two decades, has been a staunch advocate for women’s rights, particularly in her opposition to the mandatory hijab for women and the death penalty. Notably, she serves as the vice-president of the Defenders of Human Rights Centre, an organization founded by the esteemed Iranian human rights lawyer Shirin Ebadi, herself a Nobel Peace Prize laureate in 2003.
Despite her harrowing journey, the Nobel Committee expressed hope that Iran would release Mohammadi in time for her to attend the prestigious prize ceremony scheduled for December. Berit Reiss-Andersen emphasized the immense personal sacrifices Mohammadi has made, having been arrested 13 times, convicted five times, and sentenced to a staggering 31 years in prison, accompanied by 154 lashes.
The award’s significance extends beyond Mohammadi herself, as it shines a spotlight on the remarkable courage and determination of the women of Iran, serving as a source of inspiration on the global stage, according to UN human rights office spokeswoman Elizabeth Throssell.
The Nobel Peace Prize includes a gold medal, a diploma, and a prize sum of 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately $1 million). The formal presentation of the award is scheduled for December 10th, the anniversary of the death of Alfred Nobel, the founder of the Nobel Prizes.
It’s worth noting that the Nobel Peace Prize is the only Nobel Prize presented in Oslo, with the other categories announced in Stockholm.
In related Nobel news, Norwegian playwright Jon Fosse recently received the Nobel Prize in Literature, cementing his place as one of the most widely staged contemporary playwrights worldwide. The Nobel season concludes with the Nobel economics prize announcement on Monday.
Narges Mohammadi’s story is one of immense sacrifice, as she has been separated from her children for eight agonizing years and spent the majority of her recent life behind bars, with little hope of immediate release. Nevertheless, she maintains that her struggle remains worthwhile, emphasizing the enduring nature of the protest movement in Iran, which erupted a year ago.
Narges Mohammadi, aged 51, has been an activist for over two decades, consistently championing human rights in Iran. Her husband, Taghi Rahmani, who has sought refuge in France since 2012 with their twin children, describes her as the most determined person he knows, with her three primary causes being human rights, feminism, and justice for all the crimes committed.
While imprisoned, Mohammadi witnessed the protests that followed the tragic death of Mahsa Amini, who had been arrested for violating Iran’s strict dress code for women. She views these protests as a powerful testament to the widespread discontent in Iranian society, asserting that the government failed to quell the people’s voices.
Mohammadi revealed that she is currently serving a combined sentence of 10 years and nine months in prison, along with a cruel sentence of 154 lashes. Amnesty International has deemed her an arbitrary detainee and a prisoner of conscience.
Her enduring suffering is compounded by her inability to be with her children, as she has not seen or heard their voices in years. Despite the personal toll, she firmly believes in the necessity of continuing the fight for democracy, equality, and freedom.
Narges Mohammadi, born in 1972 in Zanjan, Iran, initially pursued a career in physics before transitioning to engineering. However, her path eventually led her to journalism, where she worked for reformist newspapers in the early 2000s. In her pursuit of justice, she joined the Center for Human Rights Defenders, founded by Shirin Ebadi, focusing on the abolition of the death penalty.
Her commitment to being the voice of the voiceless extended even to her time in prison, where she tirelessly provided information about the conditions faced by inmates. Regular updates on her prison experience are shared on her family-run Instagram account.
In a powerful display of solidarity with fellow inmates, Mohammadi and others staged a symbolic protest in the courtyard of Evin prison by burning their headscarves during the anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s tragic death.