
This year's winner of the Nobel Peace Prize has condemned the arrest in Iran of Iranian Peace laureate Narges Mohammadi, dubbing it a "confession of fear" by the Islamist regime.
"The Islamic Republic understands what dictatorships always understand: a fearless voice, once heard, cannot be unheard. That is why they strike in public. That is why they choose brutality. They want to teach an entire society that even grief is forbidden when it becomes solidarity," Venezuela's María Corina Machado posted on X on Saturday.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee sharply criticized the arrest the previous day. The 2023 laureate was detained by security forces on Friday during a memorial event in the eastern Iranian metropolis of Mashhad, according to supporters.
The committee "is deeply concerned by today’s brutal arrest of Narges Mohammadi alongside a number of other activists," it said in a statement posted on its website on Friday.
It urged the Iranian authorities to immediately disclose where Mohammadi is, ensure her safety and well-being, and release her unconditionally.
"Given the close collaboration between the regimes in Iran and Venezuela, the Norwegian Nobel Committee notes that Ms Mohammadi is arrested just as the Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to the Venezuelan opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado."
Iranian officials said Mohammadi and at least seven other activists were detained on Friday to protect them from possible violence, a claim that activists have rejected.
Local media on Saturday cited the Mashhad governor's office in north-eastern Iran as saying that the detentions followed a protest led by Mohammadi, during which harsh slogans against Iran's political leadership were reportedly shouted.
The office claimed the activists needed protection because there were also Islamic hardliners at the event. Due to the activists' slogans, there were fears of violent clashes between the two groups, the governor's office said.
Activists and opposition sources have dismissed this claim, saying the security guards themselves used insults and excessive force during the raid on the ceremony and the detentions.
They also said at least 40 activists were detained, including on charges of supporting the return to a monarchy in the country.
The detentions were made during a memorial ceremony for the late lawyer Khosrow Alikordi at a mosque in Mashhad. According to official reports, 46-year-old Alikordi died of a heart attack several days ago. Opposition sources say he died from torture while in custody.
Alikordi, a human rights lawyer who represented political prisoners, was widely respected among activists, and his death shocked Iran's human rights community. He was known for his critical approach toward the judiciary, which landed him on the Islamic system's political blacklist.
Mohammadi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize two years ago for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran, her opposition to the death penalty and her advocacy for human rights and freedom.
She had been serving a lengthy prison sentence in Tehran's notorious Evin prison before being released around a year ago due to health problems.
latest_posts
- 1
Dave Coulier shares new cancer diagnosis 1 year after revealing previous diagnosis - 2
Mom warns of Christmas gift hazard as daughter recovers in hospital - 3
How to get tickets for AC/DC's 2026 'Power Up' Tour - 4
Vote in favor of Your #1 4K television: Lucidity and Drenching Matter - 5
AstraZeneca to acquire Modella AI to speed oncology drug research
Strength training is crucial after menopause. How to make the most of your workouts
Building a Maintainable Closet: Individual Excursions in Moral Style
Venice’s newest marvel is a wild, acrobatic dolphin. His refusal to leave puts him in danger
Allow Innovative Progressions To have a Massive Effect
What's the new 'Knives Out' mystery about? Everything to know about 'Wake Up Dead Man,' including who's in the cast and what the reviews say.
Gym tied to outbreak of obscure disease that spreads through mist
Trump says Venezuela will start 'turning over' oil to the U.S. Is that the reason he toppled Maduro — or is it something else?
Horses really can smell our fear, new study finds
EU calls on Western Balkans to step up reforms for membership












