Iranian human rights activist Narges Mohammadi was unable to attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo on Sunday due to her imprisonment in Iran's Evin Prison. Instead, her 17-year-old twin children, Kiana Rahmani and Ali Rahmani, accepted the medal and diploma on her behalf and read a prepared speech. In her speech, Mohammadi called for a "globalization of peace and human rights" and highlighted the undemocratic ways of the Islamic republic, including its oppressive rules mandating the hijab for women. She warned that human rights violations perpetrated by authoritarian governments have broader consequences, such as migration, unrest, and growing terrorist threats.

Mohammadi's children have not seen their mother since 2015 when they fled Iran for France, and they have been unable to speak with her for two years due to the authorities' ban on phone contact. Despite her detention, Mohammadi has remained a powerful voice promoting human rights in Iran and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in October for her fight against the oppression of women in Iran and her advocacy for freedom and human rights.

In a letter written after receiving the prize, Mohammadi described her life and activism, reflecting on the domination, violence, tyranny, and discrimination she has witnessed and experienced since childhood. She emphasized that the Nobel award marked a turning point in empowering global protest and social movements as forces for change.

However, Mohammadi's absence from the ceremony shed light on the Iranian government's disregard for human rights, according to Omid Memarian, an Iranian journalist and human rights activist. The government has long attempted to silence and punish Mohammadi for her activism, and she is currently serving a long prison sentence for "spreading anti-state propaganda."

Ahead of the Nobel ceremony, Mohammadi's family announced that she would begin a hunger strike to protest human rights violations in Iran and the treatment of the Baha'i religious minority. Mohammadi's husband and brother explained that the strike was a gesture of solidarity with two jailed Baha'i leaders who have also started refusing food. Iran's Baha'i community faces discrimination in various aspects of society.

Mohammadi's twin children, who have been living in exile in France, expressed uncertainty about ever seeing their mother again but emphasized their commitment to the cause of "Woman, Life, Freedom" and their belief in victory. They will read their mother's speech at the ceremony, providing a glimpse into her thoughts and activism from behind prison walls.