In a momentous decision, the Norwegian Nobel Committee has selected Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi as the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for 2023. Mohammadi is being honored for her unwavering dedication to combatting the oppression of women in Iran and her relentless advocacy for human rights and freedom for all.
Mohammadi’s journey towards this prestigious recognition has been marked by immense personal sacrifices. She has faced arrest a staggering 13 times, been convicted on five occasions, and endured sentences totaling 31 years in prison, along with a painful 154 lashes. Remarkably, even as this article is being written, Narges Mohammadi remains imprisoned.
The catalyst for her unwavering commitment to these causes came in September 2022, with the tragic killing of Mahsa Jina Amini, a young Kurdish woman, while in the custody of the Iranian morality police. Amini’s death ignited the largest political demonstrations against Iran’s theocratic regime since its inception in 1979. Under the banner of “Woman – Life – Freedom,” hundreds of thousands of Iranians took to the streets in peaceful protests, denouncing the authorities’ brutal oppression of women. Tragically, the regime responded with a heavy hand, resulting in over 500 demonstrators losing their lives, thousands sustaining injuries, and countless others enduring arrests and detention.
The motto adopted by these brave demonstrators – “Woman – Life – Freedom” – beautifully encapsulates Narges Mohammadi’s life’s work and unwavering commitment:
- Woman: Mohammadi champions the cause of women, tirelessly fighting against systematic discrimination and oppression faced by women in Iran.
- Life: She advocates for women’s right to live full, dignified lives, a struggle that has been met with persecution, imprisonment, torture, and even death.
- Freedom: Her fight extends to freedom of expression and independence, opposing restrictive rules that require women to remain out of sight and cover their bodies. Importantly, these demands for freedom apply not just to women but to the entire population.
Her journey began in the 1990s when she was a young physics student, already distinguishing herself as an advocate for equality and women’s rights. Following her studies, she worked as an engineer and a columnist for reform-minded newspapers. In 2003, she became involved with the Defenders of Human Rights Center in Tehran, an organization founded by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi. Her activism led to her first arrest in 2011, where she was sentenced to years of imprisonment for her efforts to assist incarcerated activists and their families.
After her release on bail, Mohammadi immersed herself in a campaign against the death penalty, an issue deeply entrenched in Iran’s policies. The country consistently ranks among the highest in the world for executing its citizens. In a grim statistic, since January 2022, more than 860 prisoners have faced execution in Iran.
Her relentless activism against the death penalty resulted in her re-arrest in 2015 and further years behind bars. Once back in prison, she took a stand against the regime’s systematic use of torture and sexual violence, particularly against female political prisoners.
In the midst of last year’s wave of protests against the Iranian regime, news of these demonstrations reached political prisoners within the notorious Evin prison in Tehran. From her prison cell, Narges Mohammadi assumed leadership once again. She expressed support for the demonstrators and organized acts of solidarity among her fellow inmates. The prison authorities responded with even stricter conditions, forbidding her from receiving calls and visitors. Nevertheless, she managed to smuggle out an article that was published by The New York Times on the one-year anniversary of Mahsa Jina Amini’s tragic killing. The message was clear: “The more of us they lock up, the stronger we become.” From her captivity, Narges Mohammadi continued to inspire and ensure that the protests did not wane.
In essence, Narges Mohammadi represents not only a courageous advocate for human rights, freedom, and democracy in Iran but also a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity. Her Nobel Peace Prize for 2023 serves to honor her remarkable journey and unwavering commitment. Additionally, it acknowledges the hundreds of thousands of people who, in the preceding year, stood up against the theocratic regime’s oppressive policies, particularly those targeting women.
This award reflects the fundamental belief that equal rights for all are the cornerstone of peace, aligning perfectly with the vision of Alfred Nobel. It continues a long tradition in which the Norwegian Nobel Committee has recognized those who tirelessly work to advance social justice, human rights, and democracy – vital prerequisites for lasting peace.
In a world where the struggle for equality and human rights remains paramount, Narges Mohammadi’s remarkable journey serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who champion justice and freedom.
