An Evening for Freedom: Honoring Narges Mohammadi and Iranian Prisoners of Conscience

An Evening dedicated to “Woman, Life, Freedom”, Honoring Iranian Prisoners of Conscience

 

On Monday, September 15, Amnesty International Flanders, Amnesty International Belgium Francophone, PEN Flanders, and PEN Belgique Francophone organized an evening in solidarity with the people of Iran.

The program honored imprisoned writers and human rights defenders. An Empty Chair was presented for poet Mahvash Sabeth. Another Empty Chair was dedicated to Narges Mohammadi, President of the Narges Foundation and Nobel Peace Prize laureate. PEN Ambassador Aya Sabi also read a poem in her honor.

Despite being on temporary sentance suspension leave from prison, Narges Mohammadi found a way to participate: she recorded a special video message that was broadcast to the audience. Her words from Tehran reminded everyone that the struggle for freedom and dignity in Iran continues.

The evening also highlighted the case of Ahmadreza Djalali, who has been wrongfully detained for nearly ten years. His partner, Vida Merrenhia, spoke movingly about his situation. Iranian music and poetry carried the voices of those who cannot be present but whose spirit defines this movement.

We at Narges Foundation thank Amnesty family and PEN family for standing with Narges Mohammadi and with the people of Iran. Events like this ensure that the message of Woman, Life, Freedom continues to echo worldwide.