Iran criticizes the Nobel committee, calls for the release of the activist multiply around the world

The awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize, Friday October 6 in Oslo, to the Iranian Narges Mohammadi sparked contrasting reactions, with Tehran criticizing a decision ” policy “ while several voices were raised around the world to demand the release of the activist. The 51-year-old journalist and activist, in detention for a year in Tehran, was rewarded “for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her fight for the promotion of human rights and freedom for all”declared the president of the Norwegian Nobel committee, Berit Reiss-Andersen.

In a context of violent repression in the Islamic Republic of Iran, where women have continued the fight for their rights since the death of Mahsa Amini, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs considered that the choice of the institution was “political and biased”.

“We note that the Nobel Committee awarded the Peace Prize to a person who was convicted of repeated violations of laws and committed criminal acts. We condemn biased and political action”declared ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanani, quoted in the press release.

He also denounced a “interventionist act involving certain European governments”. According to him, the awarding of the prize “is part of the continuity of pressure exerted by Western circles against Iran”. Russia, an ally of the Islamic Republic, did not wish to comment on the news. “No, we have no reaction”Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told the press.

A “very strong choice for a freedom fighter”

Conversely, several Western countries and international organizations have welcomed this attribution, which according to them is recognition “ with one voice throughout the world » of ” courage “ by Narges Mohammadi. Many also called for his release “immediate”.

French President Emmanuel Macron welcomed a “very strong choice for a freedom fighter”, in a statement following a European summit. In a separate statement, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Anne-Claire Legendre urged “upon his immediate release”.

“We call on the Iranian authorities to respect the fundamental rights and freedoms of Iranian citizens and to take in particular the necessary measures to prevent and put an end to discrimination against women and girls, as well as sexual and gender-based violence. in all their forms »she added.

US President Joe Biden made the same call in a statement: “This award is recognition that although she is currently unjustly detained in Evin Prison, the world still hears the voice of Narges Mohammadi, who calls for freedom and equality. » The American envoy for Iran, Abram Paley, also said: “Today, the whole world recognizes with one voice [le] courage “ by Narges Mohammadi.

“A tribute” to women who struggle

“This truly highlights the courage and determination of women in Iran, who are an inspiration to the whole world”declared the spokesperson for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Elizabeth Throssell, in Geneva.

It’s a “tribute to all these women who fight for their rights at the risk of their freedom, their health and even their lives”, reacted the Secretary General of the UN, Antonio Guterres. The organization called for the release of Narges Mohammadi, and “that of all human rights defenders imprisoned in Iran”. The European Commission, NATO and Germany also welcomed the Nobel committee’s decision.

According to the latter, Narges Mohammadi, the nineteenth woman to win the prize, was arrested thirteen times and sentenced five times to a total of thirty-one years in prison and one hundred and fifty-four lashes. Narges Mohammadi and three fellow inmates recently burned their veils in the courtyard of Evin prison in Tehran to mark the anniversary of Mahsa Amini’s death on September 16. The death of the 22-year-old Iranian Kurd sparked widespread protests. If the movement is now more diffuse, it continues in different forms, posing to the Iranian authorities one of the greatest challenges since the 1979 revolution.