Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi wins 2023 Nobel Peace Prize
Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi has been awarded the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize for her "fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight for the promotion of human rights and democracy for all," the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced on Friday.
"The Peace Prize for this year also recognizes the role of the hundreds of thousands of people who, in the preceding year, have demonstrated against the discriminatory and oppressive policies of the Iranian theocratic regime targeting women," the committee said in a statement. "The slogan adopted by the protesters - 'Woman - Life - Freedom' - aptly expresses the dedication and work of Narges Mohammadi. She is a human rights defender and a freedom fighter. Her courageous struggle for freedom of expression and the right to independence has come at enormous personal cost."
Mohammadi, 51, has been arrested 13 times by the Iranian regime and sentenced five times to a total of 31 years in prison and 154 lashes. She is currently still in prison.
Mohammadi is the deputy director of the Defenders of Human Rights Center, a non-governmental organisation led by Shirin Ebadi, the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
"This prize is, first and foremost, a recognition of the very important work of an entire movement in Iran, with its undisputed leader, Narges Mohammadi," said Berit Reiss-Andersen, chairwoman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee. "If the Iranian authorities will make the right decision, they will release her so that she can be present to receive this distinction (in December)."
The Nobel Peace Prize, worth 11 million Swedish kronor, or about $1 million, will be awarded in Oslo on December 10.
Mohammadi's award is a major victory for human rights activists in Iran and around the world. It is a recognition of the courage and determination of those who fight for the rights of women and all people in Iran.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
