Narges Mohammadi Meets Norwegian Parliament President During Temporary 21 day leave
Narges Mohammadi, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Iranian human rights activist, is out of prison on a 21-day temporary leave. Despite the looming risk of a harsher sentence upon her return, she used this brief window of freedom to engage with Masud Gharahkhani, the President of the Norwegian Parliament, in a virtual meeting.
“It’s freedom with a twist,” Mohammadi explains. Just as she left the confines of Evin Prison, two of her fellow inmates were sentenced to death, Pakhshan Azizi & Varisheh Moradi.
“My fellow prisoners are like family to me. When I left them, I felt like a part of my soul remained in the women’s ward of Evin Prison,” Mohammadi shared via video link. For Gharahkhani, who was born in Iran, the meeting was deeply moving.
“I saw the videos of you being transported in the ambulance. It shows what a brave woman you are and how much the Iranian people share the values you represent,” he remarked.
A Voice That Cannot Be Silenced: Even in captivity, Mohammadi has remained informed about the news and continues to denounce the Iranian regime. She shared the personal cost of her activism, including a decade-long separation from her children, Ali and Kiana, who were forced to leave Iran ten years ago.
“The greatest risk and threat for me was losing Ali and Kiana. Before they left, I did everything I could to ensure they wouldn’t lose me at such a young age. Unfortunately, I couldn’t prevent it,” she said. “After enduring ten years of separation, everything else has become easier to bear, even though it is still painful.”
Mohammadi emphasized that the resistance against the regime goes beyond political or social issues. “What is at stake is life itself. Nothing is safe from the regime’s grip. We must not retreat, stop, or tire. We must continue with even more hope and motivation, raising the level of resistance.”
Gharahkhani echoed her resolve:“If the international community pays sufficient attention to the Iranian people, they can achieve their freedom.”
Mohammadi responded with hope: “I look forward to the day we can meet in a free Iran. Even if I am sent back, I will not be sad. Whatever happens on this path, I will accept it with an open heart.”
A Continued Fight for Freedom: Though temporarily outside prison walls, Narges Mohammadi’s spirit remains unbroken. Her fight, as she makes clear, is far from over.
Here is Narges Mohammadi’s message to the Norwegian Parliament:
President of the Norwegian Parliament,
Dear Mr. Masoud Gharahkhani,
It is truly an honor to meet you.
I have heard so much about you from Ali & Kiana and I am thankful for this chance to speak with you today.
I am on a 21-day temporary leave from prison, with only a few days left.
As I speak to you, two of my cellmates, Pakhshan Azizi and Varisheh Muradi, are facing execution sentences, 5 of my cellmates are suffering from serious health conditions & many are being denied access to medical care.
Their lives are in danger & I’m worried about them.
I ask you—and through you, the Norwegian Parliament and government—to continue raising your voice for Woman, Life, Freedom, political prisoners, those facing execution, and against the systemic gender apartheid in Iran.
Your support is not only a source of hope for us, but also a reminder that the world is watching and will not remain silent.
Thank you.
