DUBAI — The prestigious Nobel Peace Prize was awarded on Friday to Narges Mohammadi, a courageous Iranian human rights activist currently imprisoned. This significant recognition marks her as the fifth individual in history to receive the prize while incarcerated, highlighting the stark realities of her ongoing struggle.

According to Norwegian Nobel Committee Chair Berit Reiss-Andersen, the award is given “for her unwavering fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her relentless efforts to promote human rights and freedom for all individuals.” This statement underscores the universal values that Mohammadi embodies as she battles systemic injustices.

The Nobel Peace Prize will cast a global spotlight on the ongoing struggle for women’s rights in Iran, particularly in light of the recent protests under the powerful slogan “Woman, Life, Freedom.” These protests erupted following the tragic death of a young woman in police custody in September 2022, a catalyst for widespread activism and a demand for change.

Iran arrests 12 female activists in crackdown ahead of protest anniversary

Reiss-Andersen highlighted the profound personal sacrifices made by Mohammadi, stating, “Her courageous struggle has resulted in devastating personal consequences.” The regime has arrested her 13 times, convicted her five times, and sentenced her to a staggering total of 31 years in prison along with 154 lashes. As of now, Ms. Mohammadi remains imprisoned, serving as a poignant symbol of resistance.

In awarding this year’s Nobel Peace Prize, the Norwegian Nobel Committee aims to honor Mohammadi’s fearless fight for human rights, freedom, and democracy in Iran. Reiss-Andersen recognized her as a “freedom fighter,” reinforcing the importance of her cause and its global implications.

While Iran has yet to issue an official response to this prestigious award, Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani took to social media to express disdain for the “interventionist and biased remarks” from European and American officials regarding the treatment of women in Iran. His comments reflect the ongoing tension between the Iranian regime and international human rights advocates.

In the 1990s, Mohammadi pursued studies in physics before transitioning to a career as an engineer and becoming an advocate for equality and women’s rights. She has also campaigned vigorously to abolish the death penalty. Her advocacy led to her first arrest in 2011, stemming from her efforts to support imprisoned activists and their families.

Currently, Mohammadi is accused of “spreading propaganda” and is serving a 10-year sentence in the notorious Evin prison in Tehran. Within the harsh confines of this prison, she continues to advocate against the inhumane conditions faced by her and her fellow female inmates, particularly the grim realities of torture and solitary confinement that are often inflicted upon them.

Last year, Mohammadi authored the book “White Torture,” which addresses the Iranian regime’s use of solitary confinement and sensory deprivation against her and other prisoners. Her work sheds light on the psychological and emotional toll of such treatment, contributing to the broader discourse on human rights abuses.

In her book, she articulates, “The aim of white torture is to permanently sever the connection between a person’s body and mind to coerce them into recanting their ethics and actions.” This profound insight highlights the manipulative tactics employed by authoritarian regimes to undermine individual integrity and resolve.

A year after Mahsa Amini’s death: Repression and defiance in Iran

Mohammadi penned the preface for her book during a brief medical furlough from prison last year, concluding with a powerful vow: “They will imprison me again, but I will not cease my advocacy until human rights and justice prevail in my country.” This statement exemplifies her unyielding commitment to her mission despite the risks involved.

On the anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s tragic death, Mohammadi staged a protest from within Evin prison. She and three other women symbolically burned their headscarves, a defiant act captured on her social media page, showcasing her continued resistance against oppressive laws.

Her determination to persist in activism, even while imprisoned, sends a powerful message about resilience and hope, according to a fellow Iranian activist who spoke anonymously due to security concerns. This underscores the significance of her role in the ongoing struggle for justice.

“Narges Mohammadi stands out as one of the few who not only remains in Iran but continues to be actively involved, whether she is free or incarcerated,” the activist noted. Her example serves as an inspiration within the activist community and among youth who continue to confront the regime’s attempts to suppress dissent.

Iran is currently witnessing a series of arrests targeting activists, journalists, and intellectuals as part of a broader strategy to eliminate dissent and tighten social restrictions. Following the protests that erupted after Mahsa Amini’s death, Iranian authorities detained approximately 20,000 individuals, reflecting the regime’s oppressive tactics.

Nobel Prize in medicine awarded to scientists who laid foundation for messenger RNA vaccines

Mohammadi has received numerous accolades for her commitment to human rights, including recognition from Reporters Without Borders, the PEN America Literary Gala, and the United Nations’ World Press Freedom Prize. Her tireless efforts underscore the precarious situation for journalists and activists operating under threat.

Mohammadi, along with two other journalists recognized by the United Nations, “paid a hefty price for their commitment to reporting and conveying the truth,” stated Zainab Salbi, chair of the International Jury of media professionals that selected the press freedom prize winners. Their sacrifices exemplify the risks faced by those dedicated to uncovering the truth.

“We are committed to honoring them and ensuring their voices continue to resonate globally until they are safe and free,” Salbi emphasized, reflecting the international community’s commitment to human rights advocacy.

It’s time for the 2023 Nobel Prizes. Here’s what you need to know.

Notable past recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize while detained include German pacifist Carl von Ossietzky in 1935, Burmese democracy advocate Aung San Suu Kyi in 1991, Chinese rights activist Liu Xiaobo in 2010, and last year’s winner, Ales Bialiatski.

The Nobel Peace Prize, established by Alfred Nobel in his 1895 will, is one of the most renowned awards, featuring a gold medal and a monetary reward exceeding $1 million for individuals or organizations that significantly contribute to “fraternity between nations,” the reduction of standing armies, or the organization of peace conferences. Over time, its definition has expanded to recognize humanitarian efforts and the struggle for human rights.

Traditionally awarded to politicians and leaders, the prize has increasingly recognized organizations and individuals dedicated to advancing human rights and humanitarian causes. Amid ongoing conflict in Europe, last year’s award went to activists and organizations advocating for human rights in Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine, while in 2021, it acknowledged Russian and Philippine journalists for promoting freedom of expression.

The last political leader to receive the award was Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in 2019 for his peace efforts with neighboring Eritrea, who faced criticism after a brutal civil war erupted in northern Ethiopia.

Norwegian author Jon Fosse receives the 2023 Nobel Prize in Literature

Among the various awards, the Nobel Peace Prize is uniquely administered by a five-member committee appointed by the Norwegian parliament, adhering to Nobel’s original intentions for the award.

The political implications of the award are continually scrutinized to assess the messages conveyed by the committee. For the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize, there were 351 candidates, marking the second-highest number of nominees ever recorded by the organization.

Since its inception, the Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded 103 times between 1901 and 2022. Other notable recipients include women’s education advocate Malala Yousafzai, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., and humanitarian icon Mother Teresa, among many others.

Earlier this week, the Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to two scientists whose groundbreaking research paved the way for messenger RNA vaccines, fundamentally shifting the landscape of the coronavirus pandemic response. On Tuesday, three scientists were awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Physics for their investigations into the elusive domain of the electron.

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded Wednesday to three scientists for their essential discoveries in nanotechnology—particles once deemed impossibly small to create, with significant applications in technology such as television screens and LED lamps. Meanwhile, on Thursday, Norwegian novelist and playwright Jon Fosse received the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Schemm and Suliman reported from London.