Incarcerated Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi has won the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize, for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran. Announcing the decision on Friday, the Norwegian Nobel Committee said Ms Mohammadi, 51, was awarded for her struggles to promote human rights and freedom for all. The committee said her "brave struggle" has come with tremendous personal costs as she has been arrested 13 times, convicted five times, sentenced to a total of 31 years in prison, and received 154 lashes.
Ms Mohammadi is currently serving multiple sentences in Iran's notorious Evin prison in the capital, Tehran.
Mohammadi’s award comes after a wave of protests swept Iran following the death in custody a year ago of a young Iranian Kurd, Mahsa Amini, arrested for violating Iran’s strict dress rules for women.
The recent protests in Iran “accelerated the process of realising democracy, freedom, and equality in Iran”, a process that is now “irreversible”, Mohammadi told AFP last month in a letter written from her prison cell.
She and three other women held with her at Tehran’s Evin prison burned their hijabs to mark the anniversary of Amini’s death on September 16.
"Last year's wave of protests became known to the political prisoners held inside the notorious Evin prison in Tehran. Once again, Ms Mohammadi assumed leadership. From prison she expressed support for the demonstrators and organised solidarity action among her fellow inmates," the citation for the prize reads.
"The prison authorities responded by imposing even stricter conditions. Ms Mohammadi was prohibited from receiving calls and visitors.
"Narges Mohammadi is a woman, a human rights advocate, and a freedom fighter.
"In awarding her this year's Noble Peace Prize, the Norwegian Noble Committee wishes to honour her courageous fight for human rights, freedom, and democracy in Iran.
