Staff report
WASHINGTON — October 6, 2023
President Joe Biden issued a statement today applauding Iranian activist Narges Mohammadi on her prestigious achievement of being awarded the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize. President Biden expressed his admiration for Mohammadi’s unwavering commitment to securing a brighter future for women and all citizens of Iran, despite enduring a history of arrests, persecution, and torture at the hands of the Iranian regime.
“Today, I join with people around the world in congratulating Narges Mohammadi on being awarded the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize and in celebrating her unshakable courage,” President Biden stated in his message. “Ms. Mohammadi’s commitment to building the future that women and all people in Iran deserve is an inspiration to people everywhere who are fighting for human rights and basic human dignity.”
The President went on to underscore the global significance of Ms. Mohammadi’s advocacy, emphasizing her remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. “This award is a recognition that, even as she is currently and unjustly held in Evin prison, the world still hears the clarion voice of Narges Mohammadi calling for freedom and equality. I urge the government in Iran to immediately release her and her fellow gender equality advocates from captivity.”
President Biden lamented the unfortunate timing of Mohammadi’s award, coinciding with disturbing reports of Iran’s morality police assaulting 16-year-old Armita Geravand for not wearing a headscarf. Despite such challenges, the President commended the people of Iran for their unwavering determination to secure a free and democratic future for their nation, exemplified by their peaceful movement, “Woman, Life, Freedom,” which continues to inspire hope worldwide.
“We will continue to honor the bravery of all human rights defenders as well as the memory of Mahsa Amini and all those who have been killed, wounded, or imprisoned by the regime,” President Biden vowed. “The United States will continue working to support Iranians’ ability to advocate for their own future, for freedom of expression, for gender equality, and to end gender-based violence against women and girls everywhere.”
In alignment with these efforts, President Biden confirmed that the United States remains at the forefront of a diplomatic initiative at the United Nations to address and condemn Iran’s human rights abuses. The United States has also taken action to facilitate internet access for millions of Iranians through anti-censorship tools and has imposed sanctions on over 100 Iranian individuals and entities responsible for supporting the regime’s oppression.
In closing, President Biden reaffirmed the United States’ steadfast support for Narges Mohammadi, the courageous people of Iran, and all those worldwide who are resolutely working towards a more equitable and free world.
