In a heartfelt speech to her children, awarded Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maryam Mohammadi declared that the Iranian people would dismantle authoritarianism and claimed her share of the esteemed honor at a ceremony in Oslo's capital.
Sharing the distinction were Maryam's teenage children, who had not seen their mother for many years, alongside other notable figures such as Shireen Ebadi, the Iranian lawyer who received the Peace Prize in 2003, and Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian woman who spent six years in Evin Prison despite Mohammadi's advocacy.
Mohammadi's stirring speech, written from her solitary cell in Evin Prison, highlighted the revolutionary impact of the "Women, Life, Freedom" protests that erupted throughout Iran in October 2022, following the tragic death of a young Iranian Kurdish woman, Mahsa Amini, at the hands of the Moral Police.
Speaking to the gathering, Maryam described the protests as a "groundbreaking transformative movement" that has ignited civil resistance throughout the nation.
"The resistance is here, and the struggle continues," she asserted, expressing hope that the Iranian people would overthrow the oppressive regime, metaphorically calling it a blockade and tyranny.
Despite increasing global support for Iranian protesters, Maryam lamented the persisting lack of serious attention to the situation in Iran.
"Western policies and strategies have not managed to put our people in a position to truly achieve their goals: democratization and securing peace in this region," she stated.
Calling on western governments to abandon any strategies that support the Islamic Republic's authoritarian regime, Maryam concluded her speech with a message of hopeful anticipation that "the light of freedom and justice will shine in the land of Iran."
As her 17-year-old son Ali delivered the stirring closing address, the audience erupted into standing ovations and a spontaneous chorus of "Zan Zendegi Azadi," the slogan of the most recent protest movement.
While receiving visitors, her fellow recipient Elahe Tavakolian was greeted by a small group of "Women, Life, Freedom" protesters outside the Oslo City Hall, who cheerfully called out the slogan as she departed.
In an interview with CNN before the ceremony, Maryam's children Kiana and Ali revealed that they hadn't seen their mother since they were eight years old, and communications had been largely cut off for nearly two years leading up to the event.
"I'm not really optimistic about seeing my mother again," Kiana said, acknowledging that each time her mother takes action, like delivering speeches at ceremonies, her prison sentence gets extended.
"She'll always be in my heart, and I accept that, because the fight for freedom, democracy, and the Women's Life, Freedom movement is priceless. All these sacrifices are worth it," Kiana explained.
As Maryam continues to serve a prolonged sentence for conspiracy to threaten national security and spreading false propaganda, her daughter expressed uncertainty about their reunion.
"My mother still has ten years left in prison and every time she does something, like gives a speech, it increases her sentence," Kiana added, emphasizing her strong bond with her mother, "She'll always be in my heart, and I accept that, because the fight for freedom, democracy, and the Women's Life, Freedom movement is priceless. All these sacrifices are worth it."
Sarah El Sirgany of CNN contributed to this report.
References:
[1] Amnesty International (2022). Iran: Detained activist Narges Mohammadi sentenced to 10 years in prison. [Accessed December 14, 2023].
[2] Human Rights Watch (2022). Iran: US Governments Should Condemn Iran’s Executions and Push for Rights Reforms. [Accessed December 14, 2023].
[3] Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (2022). Iran: Protests Continue Amid Report Of Woman's Death In Police Custody. [Accessed December 14, 2023].
[4] Amnesty International (2022). Iran: Woman's unjust execution must be halted, Amnesty International urges, as death row prisoners may be exempted from moratorium. [Accessed December 14, 2023].
[5] European Parliament (2021). Resolution of 1 September 2021 on the situation in Iran, including the death penalty and the targeting of human rights defenders (2020/2972(RSP)). [Accessed December 14, 2023].
[6] Amnesty International (2021). Iran: The dangerous situation for women's rights defenders. [Accessed December 14, 2023].
[7] Human Rights Watch (2023). Iran: Unjust charges against Maiye Khatabi, journalist facing years in prison. [Accessed December 14, 2023].
[8] Reuters (2023). Iran journalist, author Mahsa Alimardani's family calls for fair trial. [Accessed December 14, 2023].
The international community must rally in support of the Iranian people's determined drive to dismantle authoritarianism. By standing in solidarity with those advocating for human rights and democracy, we can inspire hope for a more just world.
Maryam Mohammadi's Nobel Peace Prize reflects the critical call to ally ourselves with those resisting oppression. Her bravery continues to inspire activists worldwide who are fighting against assaults on fundamental freedoms and the erosion of democracy.
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In her acceptance speech, Maryam Mohammadi, the 2023 recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, vowed that the Iranian people would tear down authoritarianism. Reunited with her teenage children in Oslo, Mohammadi's speech showcased their shared commitment to women's rights and human freedom.
The event honored other remarkable participants such as Shireen Ebadi, a laureate in 2003, and Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, a British-Iranian woman who was imprisoned for six years amidst Mohammadi's activism. The speech, penned from her cell in Evin Prison, praised the "Women, Life, Freedom" protests that began after Mahsa Amini's death at the hands of the Moral Police in October 2022.
Mohammadi declared the protests as a "groundbreaking transformative movement" that ignited civil resistance across Iran.
"The resistance is here, and the struggle continues," she proclaimed.
Calling for international solidarity, Mohammadi lamented the lack of attention given to the situation in Iran, which had not enabled the people to secure their goals for democratization and peace in the region.
In the face of such adversity, Muhammadi urged western governments to abandon strategies supporting the Islamic Republic's authoritarian regime, instead championing democracy and human rights.
Western governments and support groups remained largely silent on Iran's treatment of dissidents, failing to exert needed pressure on the Iranian regime to enforce policy changes.
“There’s a lack of serious and sustained international focus on Iran, making it challenging to effectively advocate for human rights," said Mahsa Alimardani, an Iranian journalist and advocate for digital freedom, speaking to CNN. “This has resulted in a virtual war of attrition, which enables the regime to gradually tighten their grip on dissent.”
Maryam Mohammadi's children, Kiana and Ali, sat together in the audience, still barred from reuniting with their mother despite her newfound fame and recognition.
Describing their family’s human rights struggle, Kiana added, “Our mother’s conviction has actually set a dangerous precedent in Iran. By speaking out, she justifies our family's persecution, which ultimately puts a target on their back. However, she must continue doing so because freedom and human rights are indispensable.”
Maryam's activism and unwavering dedication to human rights had inspired the "Women, Life, Freedom" movement and added international momentum to the ongoing fight for democracy in Iran.
“We should continue raising awareness around Mohammadi's Nobel Prize and the struggles faced by women and ethnic minorities in Iran," Alimardani advised. “Mohammadi's courage and determination should serve as a source of hope and inspiration for people across the world.”
As Maryam Mohammadi's story highlights, the international community needs to do everything within their power to advocate for human rights and support the Iranian people's struggle against authoritarianism.
By providing resources, amplifying their voices, and holding the Iranian regime accountable, the global community can show solidarity with those fighting for a brighter future.
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