Nobel laureate's children affirm Iranian people's determination to dismantle despotism in powerful address
Imprisoned Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi's inspiring Nobel Peace Prize lecture, delivered by her children, highlights the unwavering determination of the Iranian people to dismantle the despotic regime and pave the way for freedom and justice
Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, imprisoned Iranian activist, praised the unwavering resolve of the Iranian people to challenge the oppressive regime of the Islamic Republic in her Nobel Peace Prize lecture delivered by her children, Kiana and Ali, on Sunday. Her teenage twins, who have been separated from their mother for years, graciously accepted the award in her absence at the ceremony in Oslo, the capital of Norway.
Prominent guests at the event were Iranian lawyer Shireen Ebadi, recipient of the 2003 Nobel Peace Prize, and British-Iranian woman Nazanin Zaghari Ratcliffe, who served time alongside Mohammadi during her six-year incarceration. Mohammadi wrote the lecture from her cell in Tehran's Evin prison, and was honored for her advocacy for women's rights and human rights in Iran by the Nobel Committee.
On April 15, 2023, in Tehran, Iran, Iranian women are seen walking on a street as the new hijab surveillance is being enforced. The image was captured by Majid Asgaripour and supplied by WANA (West Asia News Agency) to REUTERS. ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY.
Majid Asgaripour/WANA/Reuters
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Mohammadi, who has been given a 31-year prison sentence for her activism, identifies herself as part of the "millions of proud and resilient Iranian women" who have stood up against oppression. She discussed the significant influence of the "Woman, Life, Freedom" protests that occurred in Iran in October 2022 after the death of Mahsa Amini.
Mohammadi described it as a "movement for fundamental change," spawning civil resistance in sectors across Iran.
"Resistance is alive, and the struggle endures," she said.
Mohammadi stressed that the Iranian people will overcome obstacles and tyranny through their unwavering determination. There is no doubt - this is inevitable.
Mohammadi is one of the few Nobel Peace Prize laureates who could not personally receive the award.
Light of freedom and justice will shine
Despite the groundswell of support from human rights organizations for Iranian protesters, Mohammadi said a "lack of serious attention" has been given to the situation in Iran.
Mohammadi emphasized that the policies and strategies of Western governments have failed to effectively empower the Iranian people to achieve their goals, make democracy more attainable in this region, and ensure peace.
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Narges Mohammadi's children speak to CNN in exclusive interview
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She called on Western governments not to "postpone democracy" and avoid adapting "strategies focused on the continuation of the Islamic Republics rule."
However, Mohammadis ended her speech by sharing a message of hope, stating her belief that freedom and justice will prevail in Iran. Her 17-year-old son, Ali, received a standing ovation and chants of "Zan Zendegi Azadi," the slogan of the recent protest movement.
Elahe Tavakolian, a guest at the ceremony who lost her eye in last year's protests, was greeted outside Oslo town hall by a small group of "Woman, Life, Freedom" protesters. They chanted "Zan Zendegi Azadi" as soon as she walked out.
Kiana and Ali shared with CNN before the ceremony that they have not seen their mother since they were eight years old and have not spoken to her in nearly two years due to increasing communication restrictions that worsened ahead of the ceremony.
Mohammadi's prison sentences continue to grow due to allegations of plotting against national security and disseminating false information. Kiana expressed her lack of hope in reuniting with her mother, who still has 10 years left in her sentence. She feels that every time her mother takes actions, such as sharing a speech for a ceremony, it only prolongs her time in prison.
Kiana expressed, "She will forever hold a place in my heart, and I embrace that reality because the fight for women's rights and freedom is worthwhile. The value of freedom and democracy is immeasurable. It's all worth the sacrifices made."
Additional reporting by CNN's Sarah El Sirgany.
