Narges Mohammadi’s brave fight for freedom, women’s rights, and the promotion of human rights in Iran did not go unnoticed by the Nobel Committee.
On Friday October 6th, the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced Iranian human rights and women’s rights activist, Narges Mohammadi, the winner of the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize. The committee stated in its declaration that this award is given to Mohammadi for her struggle against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight for the promotion of human rights and freedom for all.
The Nobel Committee, noting that Narges Mohammadi remains in prison stated, “Her brave fight came with significant personal costs. The regime arrested her a total of 13 times, convicted her five times, and sentenced her to a total of 31 years in prison and 154 lashes.”
The Nobel Committee also made reference to the nationwide “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement following the state-sanctioned murder of Jina (Mahsa) Amini. Recalling the casualties, injured, and detainees of the movement, the committee emphasized that the slogan “Woman, Life, Freedom” is an accurate representation of Narges Mohammadi’s dedication and activism.
The statement from the Nobel Committee added Mohammadi’s support of women’s fight for a full and dignified life — a struggle that faces harassment, imprisonment, torture, and even death in Iran. The statement further paid tribute to Narges Mohammadi’s fight for freedom of expression, the right to autonomy for everyone, against the death penalty, and laws that force women to cover their bodies.
Touching on Narges Mohammadi’s continuous support for the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement even from within prison and her numerous published messages, the committee stated, “By awarding this year’s Nobel Peace Prize to Narges Mohammadi, the Norwegian Nobel Committee wishes to honor her brave fight for human rights, freedom, and democracy in Iran. This year’s peace prize also appreciates the hundreds of thousands who protested against the theocratic regime’s discriminatory and oppressive policies against women last year.”
The award the Norwegian Nobel Committee’s long-standing tradition to present the peace prize to individuals who strive to advance social justice, human rights, and democracy as essential prerequisites for sustainable peace.
The awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Narges Mohammadi is a strengthening force in Iran’s advocacy movement.
The Nobel Committee reviewed hundreds of nominees for the Nobel Peace Prize over more than a year. Afghan activist Mahboubeh Seraj was also a nominee and runner up many believed would jointly receive the award with Narges Mohammadi.
Thus far, lawyer and human rights activist Shirin Ebadi, is the only other Iranian to have received the Nobel Peace Prize.
Shirin Ebadi spoke to Zamaneh a day before the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize, highlighting the significance of this award and its political function.
