Mohammadi Receives Nobel Prize, Iranian Government Unhappy.
Following the announcement of the Nobel Peace Prize being awarded to Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi, the Iranian government swiftly condemned the decision, branding it as “biased and politically motivated” (Source: Mint).
The Iranian government’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Nasser Kanani, expressed their disapproval in a statement, stating, “We note that the Nobel Peace Committee awarded the Peace Prize to a person who was convicted of repeated violations of laws and criminal acts.” In strong terms, they criticized the Nobel committee’s decision, labeling it as biased and political.
Narges Mohammadi, the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for 2023, has been a longstanding advocate for women’s rights in Iran, symbolizing the fight for human rights in the country. However, her activism has come at a great personal cost. At the age of 51, she has been sentenced to over 30 years in prison and is prohibited from seeing her husband and children.
Berit Reiss-Andersen, the chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, revealed that Narges Mohammadi has faced severe repression in Iran. She has been arrested 13 times, convicted five times, and handed a cumulative sentence of 31 years in prison along with 154 lashes.
While it remains uncertain whether Mohammadi is aware of her award, her family has responded positively to the recognition. Despite the harsh consequences faced by women activists in Iran, Mohammadi has expressed her determination to continue her activism within the country. She has declared her intent to persist “even if she spends the rest of her life in prison,” vowing to stand alongside other courageous Iranian women in the fight against discrimination, tyranny, and gender-based oppression imposed by the religious government.
The Nobel committee’s decision to honor Narges Mohammadi acknowledges her unwavering commitment to championing women’s rights and fighting for justice, even in the face of significant personal sacrifices. However, Iran’s government remains resolute in its opposition to the Nobel Peace Prize award, viewing it through the lens of politics and bias.
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