Message of Nobel Peace Prize Laureate from Iranian Prison: “Victory Is Not…”

Nobel Peace Prize laureate and women’s rights activist Narges Mohammadi, imprisoned in Tehran, sent a powerful message that resonated from her confinement, stating, “Victory is not an easy path, but it is inevitable.” The message, conveyed through her 17-year-old daughter, Kiana Rahmani, and posted on the official Nobel website, was met with deep appreciation for the Norwegian Nobel Committee’s recognition of her cause.

In her heartfelt message, Narges Mohammadi, aged 51, continued her unyielding criticism of the mandatory headscarf requirement for women in Iran, denouncing the Iranian authorities for enforcing this form of control and repression. She passionately conveyed the belief that the authoritarian religious regime relies on the compulsory hijab for its perpetuation. Her daughter, who has sought refuge in France along with her family, served as the conduit for Mohammadi’s unwavering voice.

Mohammadi did not hold back in condemning the Iranian regime, which she described as having “institutionalized deprivation and poverty in society for 45 years,” built on foundations of deceit, manipulation, cunning, and intimidation.

A remarkable figure in the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement in Iran, Narges Mohammadi has endured numerous arrests, five sentences totaling 31 years in prison, and 154 lashes. She has been imprisoned once again since 2021, consistently advocating for women’s rights in the face of oppressive conditions.

The movement she supports, characterized by women removing their headscarves, cutting their hair, and protesting in the streets, found its origins in the tragic death of 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini. Her arrest in Tehran for non-compliance with the strict Islamic dress code ignited a wave of resistance.

In her message, Mohammadi stressed the Iranian people’s collective demand for democracy, freedom, human rights, and equality, highlighting the Islamic Republic as a major impediment to these national aspirations. She underscored the people’s commitment to achieving these goals through non-violent means, solidified by unity and an unstoppable process.

With Mohammadi’s words ringing in the hearts of many, the struggle for a brighter future in Iran continues. Her message encapsulated the spirit of resilience and determination, emphasizing that while victory may not come easily, it is a certainty.

In a moving development, Kiana Rahmani and her twin brother, Ali, will represent their imprisoned mother at the Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony in Oslo on December 10, a tradition where the peace prize has been bestowed upon activists in confinement, honoring their unwavering commitment to their causes.

_{Repurposed article already published in NDTV World}