Narges Mohammadi: Nobel Peace Prize 2023 Recognises Fight Against Oppression In Iran

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has decided to award this year’s Nobel Peace Prize to jailed Iranian activist, Narges Mohammadi, for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight to promote human rights and freedom for all.

Mohammadi is a woman, a human rights advocate and a freedom fighter. Altogether, the theocratic regime has arrested her 13 times, convicted her five times and sentenced her to a total of 31 years in prison and 154 lashes.

“This Prize Is For All The People Of Iran”

Authorities last arrested the Iranian activist in November. She is currently serving multiple sentences amounting to about 12 years at Tehran’s Evin Prison. Charges against her include proliferating propaganda against the state.

Mohammadi was imprisoned for taking part in nationwide demonstrations over the mysterious death of Mahsa Amini in police custody. The 22-year-old’s death triggered one of the most intense challenges to the regime. More than 500 people were killed in a crackdown.

Speaking from his home in Paris, Mohammadi’s husband Taghi Rahmani said: “This prize is for all the people of Iran, for human rights activists.” There was no immediate reaction to the development from Iranian state television and other government-controlled media.

The UN Human Rights Office highlighted Iranian women’s remarkable courage and determination in the face of intimidation, violence and detention. It urged Tehran to free Mohammadi and all human rights defenders imprisoned in Iran.

How Peace Prizes Are Different From Other Nobel Categories?

The jailed activist is the 19th woman to win the 122-year-old prize. Last year, the award was received by human rights activists from Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus, in what was seen as a strong rebuke to Vladimir Putin and his Belarusian counterpart.

While the other Nobel categories are selected and announced in Stockholm, the peace prize is decided and awarded in Oslo by the Norwegian Nobel Committee. Past winners include former US President Barack Obama and the late Nelson Mandela.