News Center- The Nobel Peace Prize ceremony took place in Oslo City Hall on Sunday. The Norwegian Nobel committee in October awarded the prize to imprisoned Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi for her non-violent fight “against oppression of women in Iran”. Kiana and Ali Rahmani, Narges Mohammadi’s 17-year-old twins who live in exile in Paris, accepted the prize on behalf of their mother. Her children read the Nobel Peace Prize lecture in their mother's name.

‘The Iranian people will dismantle obstruction and despotism through their persistence’

Her children read the Nobel Peace Prize lecture in their mother's name. “I write this message from behind the high, cold walls of a prison,” Narges Mohammadi said in the speech. “I am a Middle Eastern woman, and come from a region which, despite its rich civilization, is now trapped amid war, the fire of terrorism, and extremism.”

“I am confident that the light of freedom and justice will shine brightly on the land of Iran,” she said. “At that moment, we will celebrate the victory of democracy and human rights over tyranny and authoritarianism, and the anthem of the people’s triumph on the streets of Iran will resonate worldwide. The Iranian people will dismantle obstruction and despotism through their persistence. Have no doubt - this is certain.”

‘No punishment has stopped her’

At the ceremony, Berit Reiss-Andersen, chairwoman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, cited Narges Mohammadi's “life-long struggle in support of human rights and strong civil society.”

“She has asked us to use this particular photograph, which expresses how she wants to lead her life, looking happy in colorful garments, exposing her hair and with a steady gaze towards us,” Berit Reiss-Andersen said. “No punishment has stopped her. When everything has been denied her, she still mobilizes the willpower and courage to make a statement.”