Jailed Iranian Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi says 'determined to continue fighting' • FRANCE 24

Summary

Naris Mohamed, a prominent women's rights advocate in Iran, shares her resilience amid ongoing persecution for her activism. Despite enduring multiple imprisonments, harsh conditions, and torture, including solitary confinement, she remains committed to fighting for human rights and democracy. After winning the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize, her efforts have gained international attention, although the Iranian regime has increased pressures. Mohamed also discusses the significance of the Women's Life Freedom movement, her opposition to the mandatory veil, and her determination to stay in Iran, alongside the painful separation from her family.

Takeaways

• 😀 Naris Muhamed, a prominent women's rights advocate in Iran, won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023 and has faced ongoing persecution for her activism.
• 😀 Naris underwent a major surgery, had a mass removed from her bone, and was forced to return to prison 48 hours later despite her health condition.
• 😀 Naris has been tried nine times and sentenced to prison on multiple occasions, with approximately 10 years left on her current sentences.
• 😀 Prison conditions in Iran are harsh, with solitary confinement serving as a form of psychological torture. Naris has been held in solitary confinement four times.
• 😀 Despite facing severe repression, Naris continues her advocacy for human rights, freedom of expression, and democracy, regardless of the personal consequences.
• 😀 Naris’ interviews with international media have led to increased awareness of her situation but have also drawn more aggression from the Iranian authorities.
• 😀 After winning the Nobel Peace Prize, Naris has faced additional obstacles, including being denied communication with her family and being forbidden from attending her father's funeral.
• 😀 Although she has been urged to leave Iran, Naris remains resolute in her decision to stay and fight for human rights within her home country.
• 😀 Naris believes the Women's Life Freedom Movement, sparked by protests following the death of Mahsa Amini, remains strong and continues to grow despite repression.
• 😀 The mandatory veil law for women is a key tool of domination used by the regime to suppress society, and women’s resistance against it has been a significant part of the broader struggle for freedom in Iran.
• 😀 Despite being separated from her children, Naris remains hopeful that she will one day reunite with them in Iran, continuing to hold onto the dream of a free and democratic country.

Q & A

How did Naris Mohamed feel physically and psychologically after her surgery?

Naris Mohamed reported that after her surgery, which involved the removal of a mass from her bone followed by a bone graft, she spent 48 hours in the hospital. Despite the challenges, she began to feel her health improving physically. Psychologically, she stated that she was doing well as well.

What is Naris Mohamed's legal situation regarding her multiple trials and prison sentences?

Naris Mohamed has been tried nine times and sentenced to prison intermittently. Currently, she has been imprisoned for ten years, and despite various trials, there are still about ten years left on her sentences. She is awaiting the processing of other cases at the prosecutor's office.

Can Naris Mohamed describe the living conditions in the prison where she has been held?

Naris Mohamed detailed the harsh conditions of prison, particularly in solitary confinement. She described these conditions as unbearable, with psychological and emotional pressures amounting to 'white torture.' She also noted that she spent time in different sections of various prisons, including high-security and military detention centers, and was subjected to intense psychological pressure.

Is Naris Mohamed afraid of taking risks by giving interviews and speaking out?

Despite the risks, Naris Mohamed stated that she is not afraid to give interviews or speak out. She emphasized that life has the same meaning whether she is inside or outside of prison and that she is committed to resisting until human rights and democracy are achieved.

How has Naris Mohamed's Nobel Peace Prize impacted her relationship with the regime?

After receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, Naris Mohamed observed that there was increased awareness of her situation. However, it also led to more pressure from the authorities, including being denied communication and having her phone cut off. Despite this, she continued her advocacy work, even at the cost of further repression.

Has Naris Mohamed been offered the possibility to leave Iran, and what is her stance on this?

Naris Mohamed shared that she has been repeatedly urged to leave Iran, especially during a time when her children were young. Despite pressure from security agents to leave the country illegally, she refused and endured punishment. She remains resolute in her decision to stay in Iran and continue her fight for freedom and democracy.

Does Naris Mohamed believe that the protests sparked by the death of Masa Amini have been suppressed by the regime?

Naris Mohamed strongly believes that the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement, which was ignited by the death of Masa Amini, is still active and powerful. While the movement may not always manifest in large public demonstrations, it continues through various forms of resistance within society, showing its enduring strength.

Why does Naris Mohamed see the issue of the mandatory veil as important?

Naris Mohamed views the mandatory veil as a critical tool of domination used by the regime to control society, particularly women. She argues that the regime's imposition of the veil was not about religion or security but rather about repressing half of the population to establish greater societal control.

What is Naris Mohamed's perspective on the role of women in the Iranian resistance movement?

Naris Mohamed believes that women have played a central role in resisting the regime's oppression. She highlights that the resistance started as early as 1979 and continues through the 'Women, Life, Freedom' movement. According to her, women's resistance is key to challenging the authoritarian regime.

How does Naris Mohamed cope with being separated from her children, especially during her imprisonment?

Naris Mohamed expressed the emotional difficulty of being separated from her children, particularly when she was in prison. Despite being denied communication with them, she remains hopeful that one day she will be reunited with them in her home country, and she cherishes the brief moments of connection she has had with them since her temporary release.