Nobel Peace Prize Awarded to Narges Mohammadi; Reactions from Iranian Artists: Joy, Pride, and Hope for the Success of the Women's Movement in Iran

The awarding of the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize to Narges Mohammadi, a jailed human rights activist, has been met with widespread acclaim from many Iranian artists, especially those abroad. In recent hours, several prominent figures have taken to social media to congratulate Iranians, particularly women and girls, on this significant achievement. Nazanin Boniadi, an actress and human rights activist, congratulated Narges Mohammadi on her Instagram account, stating, "She is a steadfast and persistent defender of human rights in Iran who is currently imprisoned due to her courageous activities." Taraneh Alidoosti, an actress, wrote on her Instagram account, "Freedom will come, as evidenced by the footprints left by a woman like you on this land. Freedom will come because a woman like you could not be imprisoned." Alidoosti was among the artists who removed her mandatory hijab in support of the widespread protests in Iran. Ebi, a singer, wrote on his Instagram account, "Can freedom be imprisoned? This is the second Nobel Peace Prize that Iranian women have earned for their freedom-seeking struggles in 45 years of Islamic tyranny and corruption. May your path be prosperous and your life safe, Narges." Dariush, a singer, wrote in his Instagram story, "Congratulations to Ms. Narges Mohammadi, who is an example of the fighting women and men in Iran who have stood against tyranny, discrimination, and oppression for years. And congratulations to all activists who have sacrificed their freedom and well-being in defense of human rights and collective freedom, as today your freedom-seeking movement and that of the Iranian people is more renowned and powerful than ever." Nazanin Afshin-Jam, a former Miss Canada and human rights activist, responded on social media platform X to critics of the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Narges Mohammadi due to her "reformist background," stating, "Those inside Iran are forced to operate within the confines of a dictatorship. They did what they believed they could do or say." Afshin-Jam further added that "now is not the time for condemnation but for praise, and we should encourage those who have shifted their tone from reform to regime change." Golshifteh Farahani, an actress, congratulated Narges Mohammadi on her Instagram account, writing, "Narges Mohammadi, one of the bravest women in the world, has won the Nobel Peace Prize." Katayoun Riahi, an actress, shared the news of the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Narges Mohammadi on her Instagram story, stating, "An honor that is in chains." Riahi was among the artists who removed her mandatory hijab and supported the protests of the Iranian people. Faramarz Aslani, a singer, wrote on his Instagram account, "The awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Ms. Narges Mohammadi is not only a great honor for her and all the people of Iran, especially the indomitable women of Iran, but also a thorn in the eyes of those who ignore the high status of women in society. Congratulations to all free women of the world. Omid Jalili, an actor and comedian, wrote on social media platform X, "Great love for Narges Mohammadi and all freedom-seekers in Iran who are fighting against the vileness and oppression of a despised regime, and for a brighter future." Narges Mohammadi has been imprisoned multiple times in Iran. She was released in October 2020 after serving five years in prison, but with the formation of a new case, she was sentenced in June 2021 to 80 lashes and 30 months of imprisonment on charges such as "propaganda against the regime," "sit-in at the prison office," "disobedience to prison authorities," and "destruction of glass" and "defamation." Joe Biden praised Narges Mohammadi's "unwavering courage" and stated that she should be released from prison immediately. Iranians praised Narges Mohammadi's "freedom-seeking" and "steadfastness in struggle" in their messages to her. The reaction of Narges Mohammadi's son to the news of the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to his mother: "My heart stopped." Global reactions to the Nobel Peace Prize for Narges Mohammadi: A reward for your steadfastness and resistance. Taghi Rahmani, Narges Mohammadi's husband: The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the "Women, Life, Freedom" movement. Narges Mohammadi: I will remain in Iran and continue my activities even at the cost of imprisonment. The United States called Narges Mohammadi "a hero for many in Iran and around the world."