Narges Mohammadi participated in an online discussion on the “Statement of 17 Political and Civil Activists and Referendum.”
Nobel Laureate Narges Mohammadi Calls for Referendum Amid Iran’s Ongoing Struggle for Democracy
Tehran, Iran – On 16th Aug 2025, Narges Mohammadi, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and human rights activist, participated in a critical online discussion on the “Statement of 17 Political and Civil Activists and Referendum.” The session brought together voices from inside and outside Iran despite severe internet disruptions that repeatedly disconnected participants, reflecting the challenges of communication under the current regime.
Narges Mohammadi expressed her deep commitment to dialogue as an essential part of the struggle for democracy:
“I am very happy to be here today. This is nearly my eighth month I have been temporarily out of prison for medical treatment and I am glad that this is my first session joining people inside and outside the country are discussing a topic together.”
She emphasized the importance of ongoing discussions rather than one-time events, stating that dialogue is crucial to expand democratic awareness and mobilize resources for change.
The discussion focused on the statement of 17 activists and the proposal for a referendum as a democratic path forward. Mohammadi reflected on the history of such proposals, noting her personal involvement in signing another referendum statement in 2017 while in prison. She highlighted the pressing questions: Why a referendum? Why now? How should it be conducted?
Mohammadi argued that the Islamic Republic’s legitimacy is increasingly questioned:
“If the regime claims legitimacy, it should not fear a referendum. If it resists, it proves it knows it lacks legitimacy. The Islamic Republic is recognized globally as a regime violating the fundamental right of Iranians—the right to self-determination.”
She described the regime as authoritarian, unreformable, and deeply corrupt, causing widespread social, economic, and environmental crises. Mohammadi underscored that the Iranian people, through decades of struggle, have already challenged the regime’s legitimacy, particularly through movements like Woman, Life, Freedom, student protests, and broader civil resistance.
“It was the people who took legitimacy away from this regime not the 12 day war. Therefore, the people must believe in themselves. They can build the future. That is self-confidence,” she stated.
Mohammadi concluded by urging opposition groups, civil society, and political movements inside and outside Iran to unite in establishing a “referendum discourse” and step-by-step build a broad coalition to prepare for a democratic referendum. She stressed that this process must be rooted in human rights, peace, freedom, and dignity while minimizing costs for the Iranian people, who have already paid a high price for decades of struggle.
The event was hosted on Zoom and broadcast live on Clubhouse. Despite widespread internet disruptions, the session demonstrated the resilience and commitment of Iranian activists working toward democracy and human rights.
Speakers:
Narges Mohammadi – Human Rights Activist, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
Sediqeh Vasmaghi – Islamologist
Hatem Ghaderi – Political Science Researcher
Reza Alijani – Republican Political Activist
Mehrdad Darvishpour – Sociologist, University Professor
