Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadiwho won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023, spoke with the Norwegian Nobel Committee on Sunday via video call. She shared that, for the first time in years, she was able to have a video call with her children.
Currently imprisoned in Iran, Mohammadi was recently granted a 21-day release from prison for medical treatment following surgery for a suspected cancerous lesion in her leg.
She received the prize for her work against the oppression of women in Iran and recalled how she heard the news while she was in prison.
During the call, Mohammadi discussed her health, the situation in Iran, and her reaction to winning the award. She has been in Evin Prison for over a decade after being arrested and sentenced for her activism for women’s rights and her alleged actions against the Iranian government. She was convicted of spreading anti-state propaganda, undermining national security, and challenging the Islamic Republic’s rule, as reported by CNN.
“It’s a pleasure and honour to finally meet you today, even if it’s through a video call,” she told the committee. She described learning of her award from a fellow inmate who heard the news from her husband, also in prison. “The women’s ward erupted in chants: ‘Azadi, Azadi, Azadi’ (Freedom, freedom, freedom),” she recalled.
Mohammadi sang “Bella Ciao,” an Italian protest song, for the committee. The committee applauded her performance.
She has previously suffered a heart attack and struggles with arthritis and disc disease. Her family requested a longer release for recovery, but the request was denied. She faces over 36 years in prison on multiple sentences and has already spent 10 years in jail.
The Narges Foundationrun by her family and supporting her release, criticised the short leave, calling it inadequate. Despite her health issues, Mohammadi continues to fight for women’s rights and democratic change in Iran, even from behind bars.
Mohammadi, who must return to prison in 17 days, has garnered support from high-profile figures like former US secretary of state Hillary Clintonwho recently called for her release.
