The children of an incarcerated Iranian activist received the Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf

On Sunday, in the Norwegian capital, the teenage offspring of Narges Mohammadi, an incarcerated Iranian activist, accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf. Mohammadi, 51, who has been detained numerous times by Iranian authorities, was recognized for her long-standing advocacy for women’s rights, democracy, and anti-death penalty efforts in Iran. Her 17-year-old twins, Kiana and Ali Rahmani, living in Paris with their father, represented her at the ceremony in Oslo City Hall, adorned with blue orchids.

Kiana began reading their mother’s speech, written from a Tehran prison, followed by Ali. In her speech, Mohammadi described her experience as a Middle Eastern woman imprisoned amid regional conflicts and expressed her belief in Iran’s eventual triumph over tyranny.

Norwegian Nobel Committee Chairwoman Berit Reiss-Andersen highlighted Mohammadi’s persistent human rights struggle, despite facing punishments like imprisonment and lashes. A large, colorful portrait of Mohammadi was displayed, symbolizing her aspiration to live freely.

Reiss-Andersen praised Mohammadi’s unwavering willpower and courage. This year’s Peace Prize honors women worldwide fighting for fundamental human rights and against gender discrimination and segregation.

Kiana and Ali expressed sorrow over their mother’s absence, forbidden by Iranian authorities. Kiana voiced solidarity with Iranian women and girls in her speech, while Ali noted that while their mother’s body is imprisoned, her thoughts and writings reach beyond barriers.

At a press conference, Kiana conveyed her mother’s message acknowledging the international media’s role in amplifying dissenting voices in Iran. Mohammadi’s brother and husband mentioned her hunger strike plan in solidarity with Iran’s Baha’i Faith minority.

Mohammadi has been a key figure in protests, especially following the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody. Iranian authorities also restricted Amini’s family from receiving the EU’s Sakharov Prize on her behalf.

Narges Mohammadi is the second Iranian woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize after Shirin Ebadi in 2003, and the 19th woman overall. She joins a rare group of laureates awarded while imprisoned or under house arrest. The rest of the Nobel prizes were distributed in Stockholm on the same day.