Narges Mohammadi, Fierce Womens Rights Activist Imprisoned in Iran, Receives 2023 Nobel Peace Prize
2 min read
Narges Mohammadi, an Iranian women’s rights advocate, has been recognized for her unwavering dedication to promoting peace and human rights by being awarded the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize for 2023. The announcement was made by a panel of experts in Norway who selected Mohammadi from a pool of over 350 nominations.
Despite facing numerous arrests and spending years behind bars for her activism, Mohammadi has remained committed to her important work. In fact, she has been imprisoned a shocking 13 times and convicted five times, serving a total sentence of 31 years in prison. Her resilience and determination have not gone unnoticed, as the chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Berit Reiss-Andersen, emphasized that the prize recognizes not only Mohammadi’s efforts but also the entire movement in Iran, with Mohammadi serving as its leader.
Mohammadi’s activism gained significant attention during the recent protests over the death of Mahsa Amini, which highlighted the challenges faced by the Iranian theocracy. These protests ultimately led to Mohammadi’s arrest and imprisonment. However, her work extends far beyond her incarceration. She contributed an opinion piece to The New York Times, highlighting the strength that activists gain from the government’s attempts to silence them.
It’s important to note that Mohammadi’s activism has faced significant obstacles. The Defenders of Human Rights Center (DHRC), of which she was the former vice president, had its office in Tehran raided in 2008 and was subsequently banned by Iranian authorities. Despite these setbacks, Mohammadi’s unwavering commitment to human rights has made her a symbol of defiance against oppression.
This year’s Nobel Peace Prize serves as a rebuke to the Iranian government, much like last year’s award to human rights activists from Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia. The prize, which carries a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor (approximately $1 million), as well as a gold medal and diploma, will be presented to Mohammadi in December at the award ceremony in Oslo.
The Nobel Peace Prize has a long history of recognizing individuals or organizations that have made significant contributions to peace and human rights. Previous recipients include renowned figures like Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama, and the United Nations. The winner of the peace prize is chosen and awarded in Oslo by the five-member Norwegian Nobel Committee, in accordance with Alfred Nobel’s decree. This year, the committee received 351 nominations, including submissions from former Nobel Peace Prize winners, political leaders, and esteemed professors.
Narges Mohammadi’s Nobel Peace Prize win marks a pivotal moment not only for her, but also for the women’s rights movement in Iran and those fighting for human rights around the world. Her story of resilience and the recognition of her efforts by the Nobel Committee serves as an inspiration for activists everywhere.
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