– This is a fantastic and well-deserved peace prize to Narges Mohammadi, that honours the memory of Jina ‘Mahsa’ Amini who was killed in police custody last autumn, says Berit Lindeman, Secretary General of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee.
– I will congratulate Mohammadi who is a a human rights hero in Iran, that is imprisoned for her efforts for women’s rights in the country, Lindeman continues.
– This is a peace prize that is important to keep attention on the precarious human rights situation in Iran. Large parts of the population are victims of extensive and systematic human rights violations, which may amount to crimes against humanity.
When Jina ‘Mahsa’ Amini was killed on 13 September last year, it sparked nationwide protests across the country, with women and young people leading the way under the banner “Zan, Zendegi, Azadi” (“Women, Life, Freedom”). We hope the Nobel Peace Prize brings new hope and strength to the protests that are pushing for change in Iran.
– The international community must increase the pressure on the regime in Iran to respect women’s rights. We demand Narges Mohammadi’s release, says Berit Lindeman.
In June, Norwegian and Iranian organisations issued a statement calling on Norway and like-minded countries to strengthen their policies in the UN and bilaterally, and to increase the support for Iranian human rights organisations.