Mohammadi to go on hunger strike ‘in solidarity’ with Iran’s Baha’i religious minority as her prize is awarded in Oslo.
Narges Mohammadi, an Iranian human rights activist, has announced that she will go on a hunger strike in solidarity with Iran’s persecuted Baha’i religious minority. This comes as she is set to receive the prestigious Vaclav Havel Human Rights Prize in Oslo, Norway.
Mohammadi, a prominent advocate for human rights and women’s rights in Iran, has been a vocal critic of the Iranian government’s treatment of religious minorities, including the Baha’i community. The Baha’i faith, which originated in Iran in the 19th century, is not recognized as a legitimate religion by the Iranian government and its followers face widespread discrimination and persecution.
In a statement released by her lawyer, Mohammadi expressed her intention to go on a hunger strike “to draw attention to the plight of the Baha’i community in Iran and to demand an end to their persecution.” She added that she would continue her hunger strike until the Iranian government takes concrete steps to protect the rights of religious minorities and ensure their safety.
The timing of Mohammadi’s hunger strike is significant, as she is scheduled to receive the Vaclav Havel Human Rights Prize on October 13th. The prize, named after the former Czech president and human rights activist, is awarded annually by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe to individuals or organizations who have made outstanding contributions to the defense of human rights.
Mohammadi’s decision to use this platform to raise awareness about the persecution of the Baha’i community in Iran highlights the urgency of the situation. Despite international condemnation and calls for action, the Iranian government has continued to suppress religious freedom and discriminate against religious minorities.
The Baha’i community in Iran has long been targeted by the government, with its members facing arbitrary arrests, imprisonment, and even execution. They are denied access to higher education, employment opportunities, and basic civil rights. The Iranian government’s systematic persecution of the Baha’i community is a clear violation of international human rights standards.
By going on a hunger strike, Mohammadi hopes to bring attention to this ongoing injustice and put pressure on the Iranian government to change its policies. Hunger strikes have been used throughout history as a powerful tool of nonviolent resistance, drawing attention to the plight of the oppressed and forcing governments to address their demands.
Mohammadi’s hunger strike is a courageous act that demonstrates her unwavering commitment to human rights and her determination to fight for justice. It also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by activists around the world who risk their own well-being to advocate for the rights of others.
As Mohammadi receives the Vaclav Havel Human Rights Prize in Oslo, her hunger strike will serve as a stark reminder that the fight for human rights is far from over. It is a call to action for the international community to stand in solidarity with those who are persecuted for their beliefs and to hold governments accountable for their violations of human rights.
In conclusion, Narges Mohammadi’s decision to go on a hunger strike in solidarity with Iran’s Baha’i religious minority is a powerful statement against the Iranian government’s ongoing persecution of religious minorities. As she receives the Vaclav Havel Human Rights Prize in Oslo, her hunger strike serves as a reminder that the fight for human rights requires continued vigilance and action. It is our collective responsibility to stand up against injustice and support those who are oppressed.