Children of imprisoned Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi accept the Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf

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The Nobel Peace Prize for 2023 was awarded posthumously to Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi, who has been imprisoned for her tireless advocacy for human rights, women’s rights, and democracy in Iran. Her teenage children, Kiana and Ali Rahmani, accepted the prestigious award on her behalf in Oslo, Norway. Narges Mohammadi, aged 51, has faced numerous arrests and spent years behind bars for her activism. She was recognized for her unwavering commitment to the cause of justice and freedom.

The ceremony took place at Oslo City Hall, adorned with blue orchids in honor of the occasion. The Rahmani twins, who currently reside in Paris with their father, began the acceptance speech on behalf of their mother. In her heartfelt address, Narges Mohammadi conveyed her message from a Tehran prison, emphasizing the challenges faced by her region, the Middle East, marked by conflict, terrorism, and extremism.

She expressed hope that the light of freedom and justice would eventually shine in Iran, celebrating the triumph of democracy and human rights over tyranny and authoritarianism. Narges Mohammadi firmly believed that the Iranian people, through their persistence, would overcome obstacles and despotism.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries, including Norway’s King Harald and Queen Sonja. Berit Reiss-Andersen, chairwoman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, praised Narges Mohammadi’s lifelong dedication to human rights and a robust civil society. She highlighted Mohammadi’s resilience in the face of imprisonment and lashes, noting that even when she required medical treatment, she refused to compromise on her principles, particularly in matters concerning the hijab.

The Nobel Peace Prize for 2023 was dedicated not only to Narges Mohammadi but also to the courageous women in Iran and worldwide who stand up for fundamental human rights and against the discrimination and segregation of women.

In their poignant speeches, Mohammadi’s children expressed their regret that their mother couldn’t be present in Oslo. They eloquently conveyed her determination to continue the fight for justice despite her physical confinement.

At a preceding news conference, Kiana Rahmani read a message from her mother, praising international media for amplifying the voices of dissenters, protesters, and human rights defenders in Iran. Narges Mohammadi emphasized the importance of global support in the struggle against the oppressive Iranian government.

Kiana Rahmani also shared her doubts about seeing her mother again, but she underscored that Narges Mohammadi’s values and ideals would continue to inspire her and others.

It was revealed that Mohammadi planned to go on a hunger strike in solidarity with the Baha’i Faith religious minority in Iran.

Narges Mohammadi’s husband, Taghi, who had not seen his wife for 11 years, and their children, who hadn’t seen their mother for nearly eight years, witnessed the moving moment when the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded.

Narges Mohammadi’s activism included leading protests following the death of Mahsa Amini, a young woman who died in police custody due to an alleged violation of Iran’s strict headscarf law. Iranian authorities also prevented Amini’s family from accepting the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought on her behalf.

Narges Mohammadi’s Nobel Peace Prize win marked the 19th time a woman had received the honor and the second time for an Iranian woman after Shirin Ebadi in 2003. Furthermore, this occasion was the fifth instance in the history of the Nobel Peace Prize where the laureate was in prison or under house arrest.

The Nobel Peace Prize for 2023 serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for human rights and justice in Iran and around the world.

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More about Iranian Activist Nobel Peace Prize

• Nobel Peace Prize
• Narges Mohammadi’s Activism
• Mahsa Amini’s Case
• Nobel Peace Prize Laureates
• Baha’i Faith in Iran
• Shirin Ebadi’s Nobel Peace Prize