Iranian human rights activist and imprisoned women's rights defender, Narges Mohammadi, has been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2023, today, Friday. In a statement to the New York Times, Narges Mohammadi expressed that "the global support and recognition for my defense of human rights makes me more determined, more responsible, more passionate, and hopeful." She added, "I will continue the struggle against ongoing discrimination, tyranny, and gender-based oppression by the oppressive religious government until women are liberated." She stated, "I will never stop fighting for democracy and equality, even if it means staying in prison." The Nobel Committee announced, "The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize to Narges Mohammadi in honor of her struggle against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all."
The Iranian Foreign Ministry condemned the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Narges Mohammadi, describing it as a bias and a politically motivated step. Spokesperson Nasser Kanani stated, "The action taken by the Nobel Peace Committee is a political move aligned with the anti-Iranian intervention policies of certain European governments." He added in a statement reported by state media, "The Nobel Peace Committee awarded a prize to someone convicted of repeated violations of the law and criminal acts, and we condemn it as a form of bias and a politically motivated action."
U.S. President Joe Biden called on Iran to "immediately release imprisoned Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi," praising her "unyielding courage" after she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, according to Agence France-Presse. Biden stated, "This award is a recognition that the world still hears Narges Mohammadi's voice calling for freedom and equality, and I urge the Iranian government to release her and her fellow gender equality advocates."
The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights stated that awarding the Nobel Peace Prize to the Iranian activist highlights the courage and determination of Iranian women. Spokesperson Elizabeth Throssell said, "We have seen their bravery and determination to confront acts of retaliation, intimidation, violence, and arrest." She added, "They have been harassed over what they can and cannot wear. There are increasingly strict legal, social, and economic measures against them. This really highlights the courage and determination of women in Iran and how they have become an inspiration to the world." Throssell reiterated calls for the release of Narges Mohammadi, stating to Reuters, "We and other partners in the UN human rights system have repeatedly called for her release."
In a conversation with Reuters, Narges Mohammadi's husband mentioned that the award will enhance her struggle for human rights, indicating that "this is an award for women, life, and the movement for freedom, and for the Iranian people and human rights activists." Meanwhile, the Fars news agency reported that the imprisoned women’s rights activist was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize "for her actions against Iranian national security." Iranian authorities have not yet commented on the award.
Narges Mohammadi is one of the most prominent Iranian human rights activists advocating for women's rights and calling for the abolition of the death penalty. She is currently serving multiple sentences in Evin Prison in Tehran, totaling around 12 years, according to the Front Line Defenders organization. This is one of many times she has been imprisoned, with charges including spreading propaganda against the state.
