Annual 'Freedom House' Award Given to Women of Iran: The Global Community Must Stand with Iranians

Freedom House awarded its 2023 prize to the women of Iran and to Vladimir Kara-Murza, an opposition figure against the Russian government. In a statement released on Tuesday, May 9, it was mentioned that this award is given in appreciation of the 'unwavering commitment and activities of these individuals to advance democracy and freedom.' The award ceremony took place on the evening of Tuesday, May 9, with the presence of Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State. Blinken stated that hundreds of thousands of Iranian women have been demanding respect for their fundamental rights for months despite brutal repression by the government. He also emphasized the need to assist the people of Iran in accessing the internet so they can report human rights violations. Michael Abramowitz, the president of Freedom House, noted that Iranian women are putting themselves at incredible risk with their bravery and stressed that the global community must stand with the women of Iran. Among those present at the ceremony were Nazanin Boniadi, an actress and prominent opposition figure against the Islamic Republic, and journalist Aida Qajar, who received the Freedom House award for Iranian women. The award for Vladimir Kara-Murza, an opposition figure against Vladimir Putin, was received by his wife. The reason for awarding Kara-Murza was his relentless fight against corruption in Putin's government and repression in Russia, as well as his efforts to promote human rights and democracy in that country. This Russian-British journalist has been sentenced to 25 years in prison and is currently incarcerated. Freedom House has called his sentence unjust and demanded his immediate release. The president of Freedom House described Kara-Murza as an example of courage that changes the tide against oppression. The annual Freedom House award has previously been given to figures such as the Dalai Lama, Václav Havel, and Martin Luther King. Reports from the American PEN Association indicate that Iran has the highest number of imprisoned female writers in the world. The Minister of Interior of the Islamic Republic threatened women without hijabs with deprivation of public services. The Islamic Republic's unsuccessful attempt to impose mandatory hijab; students: 'We stand until the end.' Government media attacks on actors opposing mandatory hijab with new accusations; 'hypocrite,' 'promoter of corruption,' 'unforgivable.' Concerns among Islamic Republic officials about the increase in 'civil resistance' against mandatory hijab in the summer.