Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi Smuggles Message From Cell

Nobel Peace Prize laureate and women's rights activist Narges Mohammadi, currently incarcerated in Tehran, delivered a powerful statement that underscores her commitment to the cause. The message, shared through her daughter Kiana Rahmani, was revealed in French and subsequently posted on the official Nobel website. Narges Mohammadi, aged 51, expressed "sincere gratitude" to the Norwegian Nobel Committee, which recognized her in early October for her resolute fight against the oppression of women in Iran. Mohammadi did not mince her words, once again condemning the mandatory headscarf requirement for women in Iran and denouncing Iranian authorities. She boldly asserted that the compulsory hijab serves as a tool of control and repression, sustaining the authoritarian religious regime. Her 17-year-old daughter, who, along with her family, has sought refuge in France, conveyed her mother's profound statements. The imprisoned activist castigated a regime that, in her words, has perpetuated 45 years of institutionalized deprivation and poverty, a system built upon lies, deceit, cunning, and intimidation. Narges Mohammadi's remarkable resilience is evident in her remarkable history, having been arrested 13 times and sentenced to a total of 31 years in prison and 154 lashes. Despite her enduring hardships, she remains a central figure in the "Woman, Life, Freedom" movement, championing the rights and empowerment of women in Iran. Her message serves as a poignant reminder of the unyielding spirit of those who continue to advocate for women's rights and human rights in the face of adversity.