Oslo

The Norwegian Nobel Committee has strongly criticised the arrest of Iranian human rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, expressing grave concern over her safety and detention.

In an official statement, the committee said it was “deeply disturbed” by what it described as the violent arrest of Mohammadi along with several other civil society activists. Highlighting her global stature, the committee noted that Mohammadi, who received the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize, has long been a fearless advocate for human rights, freedom of speech and democratic participation in Iran.

The Nobel Committee urged Iranian authorities to immediately disclose Mohammadi’s whereabouts, guarantee her physical safety and well-being, and release her without any conditions. It reaffirmed its solidarity with Mohammadi and with all individuals in Iran who are peacefully campaigning for human rights, the rule of law and freedom of expression.

The committee also drew attention to the international political context surrounding the arrest. Referring to the close relationship between Iran and Venezuela, it noted that Mohammadi’s detention coincided with the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, suggesting the timing was significant.

Narges Mohammadi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023 while she was already incarcerated in Iran. Over more than two decades, she has emerged as a prominent symbol of resistance against authoritarian rule, particularly in the fight for women’s rights. In 2003, she joined the Defenders of Human Rights Centre founded by Nobel laureate Shirin Ebadi, and subsequently played a key role in supporting political prisoners, opposing capital punishment and exposing the Iranian authorities’ use of torture and sexual violence.

Her activism has come at a heavy personal cost. Mohammadi has been arrested 13 times and sentenced to a combined total of 31 years in prison along with 154 lashes. At the time her Nobel Peace Prize was announced in October 2023, she was imprisoned in Tehran’s infamous Evin Prison.

Even while behind bars, Mohammadi has remained a leading voice in Iran’s protest movements. From prison, she actively supported and inspired the nationwide demonstrations that erupted in the autumn of 2022 following the death of Mahsa Jina Amini, a young Kurdish woman who died after being detained by Iran’s morality police for allegedly violating dress codes. The protests were met with a severe crackdown by authorities, resulting in the deaths of more than 500 people, injuries to thousands, and the arrest of at least 20,000 individuals.

Reacting to her Nobel recognition, Mohammadi had said the award would only strengthen her resolve. “I will never stop striving for democracy, freedom and equality,” she declared, adding that the Nobel Peace Prize would make her more determined, resilient and hopeful in her struggle.

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The Norwegian Nobel Committee’s condemnation underscores growing international concern over Iran’s treatment of political prisoners and human rights defenders, particularly those who continue to challenge the state through peaceful means.