The "Freedom to Write" Award Presented to Narges Mohammadi; PEN America Awards This Honor to Ms. Mohammadi's Husband

On Thursday, May 18, PEN America awarded the "Freedom to Write" prize to Narges Mohammadi, a human rights activist imprisoned in Iran. Susan Nossel, the CEO of PEN America, stated in a press release: "Narges Mohammadi is an inspiration to the world for her courage and unyielding resistance against the Iranian government's determined efforts to silence her." At the ceremony, she also told Voice of America: "Narges Mohammadi is an extraordinary example of Iranian resilience and courage." Taghi Rahmani, a political and social activist and Ms. Mohammadi's husband, attended the event in Washington to accept the "Freedom to Write" award on her behalf. Mr. Rahmani told Voice of America: "The PEN America award belongs to all Iranian women and men who strive for freedom of expression." The "PEN Barbi" award is given to writers who are persecuted for their activities. Previous recipients of this award include Vladislav Yesipenko, an independent journalist from Ukraine, and Zhou Ziyong, a Chinese activist. Ms. Mohammadi, 51, has a long history of imprisonment and harsh punishments, including torture and solitary confinement. She was released in 2020 after serving 8.5 years in prison but is currently serving the remainder of a 16-year sentence in Evin Prison. On April 12 of this year, Narges Mohammadi, who was once the vice president of the banned Human Rights Defenders Center, along with Niloufar Hamedi and Elaheh Mohammadi, won the UNESCO World Press Freedom Prize. At the annual PEN America event in New York, Salman Rushdie was also honored. This was his first public appearance after being repeatedly stabbed and hospitalized nine months ago. The British-American author was attacked last summer by a man named Hadi Matar, who was influenced by a fatwa from Ruhollah Khomeini, and lost one of his eyes. Taghi Rahmani stated: "Narges Mohammadi does not accept the judicial process of the judiciary and does not participate in any court hearings." Congratulations were also extended to Ali and Kiana, Narges Mohammadi's children, on her birthday. Taghi Rahmani emphasized that Iranians abroad continue to be the voice of the people inside. The PEN America organization awarded the "Freedom to Write" prize to Narges Mohammadi, highlighting her emphasis on the Islamic Republic's role in the poisoning of students. The Iranian Writers Association called for the unconditional release of all imprisoned journalists in Iran. Three imprisoned female journalists in Iran were awarded the UNESCO Press Freedom Prize.