In 1896 chemist and engineer, Alfred Nobel left 31,5 million Swedish crowns to be invested in awards for people who have “the greatest benefit on mankind.” The award is in six fields: physics, chemistry, medicine, physiology, literature, and peace. 127 years later, Iranian Activist Narges Mohammadi won the Nobel Peace Prize.
Mohammadi heard the news of her earning the award in prison. She had been arrested 13 times and convicted five times.
Mohammadi was born in Zanjan City, Iran. She pursued an education in physics at Imam Khomeini International University, later she earned her degree in physics. Throughout college, she advocated for women’s rights and the death penalty which resulted in her being convicted and arrested multiple times.
Currently, Mohammadi is serving a ten-year, nine month sentence and 154 lashes after she was accused of “national security and propaganda against the state.” Mohammadi is in Tehran’s Evin prison, Tehran Iran serving the sentence.