Imprisoned Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her unwavering dedication to advancing women’s rights, promoting democracy, and opposing the death penalty.
Despite multiple arrests and years spent in prison, Mohammadi remained a prominent figure in nationwide women-led protests, initially ignited by the tragic death of a 22-year-old woman in police custody. These protests posed a significant challenge to Iran’s theocratic government.
Berit Reiss-Andersen, the chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, emphasized that the Nobel Peace Prize recognizes not only Mohammadi but also the broader movement in Iran she leads.
The committee hopes this award will inspire continued activism and called for Mohammadi’s release in time for the prize ceremony on December 10.
In a statement to The New York Times, Mohammadi said the “global support and recognition of my human rights advocacy makes me more resolved, more responsible, more passionate and more hopeful.”
“I also hope this recognition makes Iranians protesting for change stronger and more organized,” she added. “Victory is near.”
Narges Mohammadi, an engineer by training, has faced 13 imprisonments and five convictions, resulting in a cumulative sentence of 31 years. Her most recent detention occurred in 2021 when she was apprehended after attending a memorial for a person who lost their life during nationwide protests triggered by a rise in gasoline prices. She has been held at Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison, known for housing Western-affiliated individuals and political detainees.
Narges Mohammadi’s Nobel Peace Prize win marks a significant milestone as she became the 19th woman in history to receive this prestigious honour. Notably, she is the second Iranian woman to achieve this distinction, following in the footsteps of human rights activist Shirin Ebadi, who claimed the award in 2003.
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