Nobel Peace Prize winner says Iranian people will prevail against rulers

Narges Mohammadi, the laureate of the Nobel Peace Prize, stated from prison on Sunday that the Iranian people will finally triumph over authoritarianism imposed by a regime that has lost legitimacy and popular support. Her children read her message.

In a jab at Tehran’s theocratic leaders, the Norwegian Nobel committee in October gave Mohammadi, 51, the prize for her nonviolent struggle “against oppression of women in Iran” and the advancement of human rights for all.

Several hundred people attended a ceremony at Oslo’s City Hall where her 17-year-old twins, Kiana and Ali Rahmani, accepted the honour, which included a gold medal and diploma. A cheque for 11 million Swedish crowns, or around $1 million, is part of the prize package.

Speaking from the infamous Evin jail in Iran, Mohammadi asserted that the most effective ways to effect change were via persistent resistance and non-violence.

“The Iranian people will triumph over tyranny and repression if they are persistent enough. Without a doubt, this is true,” she stated in her French-language statement.

The women’s rights activist, who was recently arrested in November 2021, is currently serving many terms for offences including disseminating false information against the Islamic Republic.

“Writing this message from behind the cold, high walls of a prison,” Mohammadi declared, describing her life as well as the lives of numerous activists in Iran as a never-ending battle “to stay alive.”

Years of resentment towards Iran over topics ranging from economic hardship and discrimination against ethnic minorities to more stringent social and political regulations were released upon Amini’s passing.

During widespread protests that were put down with deadly force, women, especially schoolgirls, defied rules requiring them to cover their hair and wear baggy clothing by taking off and burning their hijabs.

(With agency inputs)