Narges Mohammadi: A Beacon of Courage and Advocacy
Introduction
Narges Mohammadi, born on April 21, 1972, in Zanjan, Iran, is a name synonymous with unwavering commitment to human rights, feminism, and justice. Her life has been marked by resilience, struggle, and an unrelenting dedication to the pursuit of a more equitable and just society, particularly for women and marginalized communities in Iran. This article delves into Narges Mohammadi’s extraordinary life, detailing her journey from a student activist to a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, highlighting key events that have shaped her advocacy and the impact she has had on the world.
Narges Mohammadi : Early Life and Activism
Narges Mohammadi’s early life was marked by her passion for change and her unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and equality. Born in Zanjan, Iran, she grew up in various cities, including Qorveh, Karaj, and Oshnaviyeh. Her upbringing in different regions of Iran provided her with diverse perspectives and a deep understanding of the social and political dynamics within the country.
Mohammadi’s journey into activism began during her university years at Qazvin International University, where she pursued a degree in physics and later became a professional engineer. During her time at university, she contributed articles to the student newspaper, using her platform to support women’s rights and speak out against societal inequalities. It was here that her activism took root, and she started to raise her voice against the injustices she observed.
Early Encounters with Repression
As Mohammadi’s activism gained momentum, she became a member of the political student group known as Tashakkol Daaneshjuyi Roshangaraan (“Enlightened Student Group”). This affiliation didn’t go unnoticed by the authorities, and she was soon arrested for her participation in student meetings and her vocal criticism of the Iranian government.
Additionally, she was an active member of a mountain climbing group, but her political activities eventually led to her being banned from participating in their climbs. These early encounters with repression were indicative of the challenges she would face in the years to come.
A Journey into Journalism and Advocacy
Narges Mohammadi’s activism took on a new dimension when she transitioned into the field of journalism. She worked as a journalist for several reformist newspapers, utilizing her writing as a tool to shed light on human rights abuses and the plight of women in Iran. Her articles challenged the status quo and amplified the voices of those who were marginalized and oppressed.
During this period, she also published a book of political essays titled “The Reforms, the Strategy, and the Tactics,” further establishing herself as a critical thinker and advocate for change.
Joining the Defenders of Human Rights Center (DHRC)
In 2003, Mohammadi’s dedication to human rights led her to join the Defenders of Human Rights Center (DHRC), an organization headed by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi. Here, she found a platform where she could channel her passion for justice into meaningful activism. Over time, she ascended to the position of Vice President within the organization, solidifying her role as a prominent figure in the fight for human rights in Iran.
Narges Mohammadi : Personal Life and Challenges
In 1999, Narges Mohammadi married Taghi Rahmani, a fellow pro-reform journalist who, like her, was critical of the Iranian government. Rahmani’s activism led to his arrest multiple times. Despite the hardships they faced as a result of their advocacy, Mohammadi and Rahmani remained steadfast in their commitment to justice and human rights.
Rahmani eventually moved to France in 2012 after serving 14 years of prison sentences, while Mohammadi continued her work in Iran. This separation, borne out of their shared dedication to their respective causes, was a testament to their unwavering commitment to their principles.
Facing Repression: Arrests and Imprisonment
First Arrest and Early Detentions
Narges Mohammadi’s vocal criticism of the Iranian government and her activism led to her first arrest in 1998. She spent a year in prison, marking the beginning of her tumultuous relationship with the authorities.
In April 2010, she faced another wave of repression when she was summoned to the Islamic Revolutionary Court due to her affiliation with the DHRC. Initially released on a $50,000 bail, she was re-arrested just days later and detained at Evin Prison, a notorious facility in Tehran known for housing political prisoners.
Mohammadi’s time in custody during this period took a toll on her health. She developed a condition that resembled epilepsy, causing her to periodically lose muscle control. After a month of detention, she was released but was allowed to seek medical treatment only after intense pressure from activists and international organizations.
Persecution and Sentences
July 2011 marked yet another chapter in Mohammadi’s life marked by persecution. She was prosecuted once more, this time being found guilty of “acting against national security,” “membership of the DHRC,” and “propaganda against the regime.” In September of that year, she received an 11-year prison sentence.
What was particularly distressing about this case was that Mohammadi learned about her sentencing through her lawyers and was handed a 23-page court judgment that likened her human rights activities to attempts to overthrow the regime. While her sentence was reduced to six years on appeal, it was evident that the Iranian authorities were determined to silence her advocacy.
Release Amid International Outcry
In March 2012, Narges Mohammadi was once again arrested to begin her prison sentence. However, her imprisonment did not go unnoticed by the international community. The British Foreign Office condemned her sentencing as an attempt to silence brave human rights defenders. Amnesty International designated her a prisoner of conscience and called for her immediate release.
In July 2012, a group of international lawmakers, including U.S. Senator Mark Kirk, former Canadian Attorney General Irwin Cotler, UK MP Denis MacShane, Australian MP Michael Danby, Italian MP Fiamma Nirenstein, and Lithuanian MP Emanuelis Zingeris, came together to call for her release. Their efforts bore fruit when, on July 31, 2012, Narges Mohammadi was released from prison.
Re-arrest and Hunger Strike
However, her reprieve was short-lived. On October 31, 2014, Mohammadi delivered a speech at the gravesite of Sattar Beheshti, where she questioned the silence of parliament members regarding his death under torture. The video of her speech went viral on social media networks, drawing attention to her activism.
In response, the Evin Prison court summoned her on November 5, 2014, without providing clear explanations for the charges against her. This event marked another instance of harassment and intimidation aimed at silencing her.
On May 5, 2015, Narges Mohammadi was once again arrested on new charges. The Revolutionary Court sentenced her to ten years’ imprisonment for “founding an illegal group” in reference to Legam (the Campaign for Step by Step Abolition of the Death Penalty), five years for “assembly and collusion
Continued Detention and Hunger Strike for Medical Care
On May 5, 2015, Narges Mohammadi was once again arrested on new charges. The Revolutionary Court sentenced her to ten years’ imprisonment for “founding an illegal group” in reference to Legam (the Campaign for Step by Step Abolition of the Death Penalty), five years for “assembly and collusion.
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10 Things to Know About Narges Mohammadi
- Nobel Peace Prize Winner: Narges Mohammadi was awarded the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize for her dedication to fighting against the oppression of women in Iran and her broader advocacy for human rights.
- Prolific Advocate: Despite being imprisoned, Mohammadi has managed to bring to light abuses even from inside her cell. She has been a voice against the systemic discrimination and oppression of women in Iran.
- Multiple Arrests: Throughout her activism journey, she has been arrested 13 times, convicted five times, and given a total of 31 years in prison. Currently, she’s serving time for “spreading propaganda.”
- Personal Sacrifice: Her dedication to the cause has come at great personal cost. She hasn’t seen her son, Ali Rahmani, in eight years. Her husband and children are living in exile in Paris.
- Voice for Women: Narges has penned details about how Iranian women detained during demonstrations were being physically and sexually abused. She particularly highlighted the abuse after the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody in 2022.
- Author and Documenter: Mohammadi wrote a book, “White Torture: Interviews with Iranian Women Prisoners”, where she and 12 other inmates share their experiences of solitary confinement.
- Fight Against Death Penalty: Apart from advocating for women’s rights, she has also been a staunch campaigner for the abolition of the death penalty in Iran.
- Affiliations: Mohammadi is the vice-president of the Defender of Human Rights Center in Iran. She has also been recognized as one of the BBC’s 100 Women, a list of inspiring and influential women worldwide.
- Global Recognition: While she has received numerous human rights awards over the years, the Nobel Peace Prize gives her an unparalleled international recognition, which is likely unwelcomed by the Iranian authorities.
- UN’s Acknowledgment: The United Nations has commended her courage and determination, with the UN Secretary-General António Guterres stating that the Nobel Peace Prize is a tribute to women everywhere fighting for their rights at the risk of their freedom, health, and lives.
Narges Mohammadi stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, representing the countless Iranian women and human rights activists worldwide who relentlessly fight against oppression and injustice.