In a heartfelt ceremony in Oslo, the teenage twins of Narges Mohammadi, a jailed Iranian activist, accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf. Mohammadi, who is currently serving a 10-year jail term in Tehran, was awarded the prestigious prize for her tireless efforts in fighting against the oppression of women in Iran. Despite being behind bars, Mohammadi managed to smuggle out a speech which was then read out by her children during the ceremony. In her speech, Mohammadi denounced Iran’s “tyrannical” government and expressed her unwavering belief in the perseverance and strength of the Iranian people to overcome repression and authoritarianism.
Narges Mohammadi, a prominent human rights figure in Iran, has had a long history of activism and has paid a heavy price for her courageous fight for justice. The 51-year-old has been in jail almost continuously since 2010 and has faced numerous arrests and convictions, resulting in a staggering 31-year prison sentence. Currently, she is imprisoned for “spreading propaganda”. Mohammadi’s husband, Taghi Rahmani, lives in exile in Paris with their two children, and they have been separated for years due to their political activism.
During the ceremony, Mohammadi also expressed her deep admiration for the young Iranians who have taken to the streets to resist the oppressive regime. She commended their efforts in transforming public spaces into symbols of civil resistance, referencing the protests that began last year following the death of Mahsa Amini. Mohammadi emphasized that resistance and non-violence remain the most effective strategies in the ongoing struggle for freedom and human rights in Iran.
The Nobel Peace Prize, accompanied by a significant monetary award of 11 million Swedish crowns, was presented to the twins in Oslo’s City Hall. However, a poignant reminder of Mohammadi’s absence was marked by an empty chair placed on the podium. The powerful symbolism highlighted the sacrifices she has made and the enduring spirit of her activism.
Mohammadi’s husband, Taghi Rahmani, spoke candidly about his wife’s dedication to their cause and the sacrifices she has made as a mother. He revealed that Mohammadi had once written a letter to their children expressing her hope for their forgiveness, recognizing that she was unable to be there for them as a mother. Rahmani affirmed that Mohammadi, along with other imprisoned human rights activists, stands as a beacon of resistance against the tyranny of the Islamic Republic.
However, the Iranian government has vehemently criticized and dismissed the Nobel award as biased and reflective of the interventionist and anti-Iran policies of some European countries. Iran’s foreign ministry has shown clear opposition to the recognition bestowed upon Mohammadi and her unwavering advocacy for human rights.
In addition to the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony, other prestigious Nobel Prizes were awarded on the same day. Norwegian author Jon Fosse received the Nobel Prize for Literature, while three scientists were recognized with the Nobel Prize for Chemistry for their groundbreaking work on quantum dots. The Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to Pierre Agostini, Ferenc Krausz, and Anne L’Huillier for their revolutionary research on capturing and studying rapid processes inside atoms through the creation of extremely short pulses of light.
The acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize by Mohammadi’s teenage children has served as a powerful reminder of her unwavering commitment to justice and her indomitable spirit. This significant recognition not only sheds light on the human rights situation in Iran but also inspires countless individuals worldwide to continue fighting against oppression and advocating for a more just and equal society.
