Shirin Ebadi

Shirin Ebadi was born on June 21, 1947, in Hamadan, Iran. She would go on to become a prominent Iranian lawyer, a former judge, and human rights activist. Ebadi was the first Muslim woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize and was recognized for her courageous efforts for democracy and human rights, particularly focusing on women's and children's rights in Iran. Her early life in a traditional Muslim family shaped her understanding and passion for justice and equality.

In 1969, Shirin Ebadi graduated from the University of Tehran with a degree in law. This marked the beginning of her long and influential career in law and human rights advocacy. After graduation, she passed the judicial entrance exam, becoming a trailblazer for women in Iran as she pursued a career in the legal field. Her education and subsequent career helped pave the way for future Iranian women in the legal profession.

In 1975, Shirin Ebadi became Iran's first female judge. Her appointment marked a significant milestone in Iran's legal history, as it was rare for women to hold such prestigious positions. Ebadi served as a symbol of progress for women's rights in the country. However, her career faced challenges during the 1979 Iranian Revolution, which resulted in her demotion and the removal of women from judicial positions, sparking her activism for equality and justice.

On July 17, 2000, Shirin Ebadi was arrested and imprisoned for her outspoken anti-government statements. This arrest was part of a broader crackdown on activists and intellectuals who criticized the Iranian regime. Ebadi's detention highlighted the ongoing struggle for human rights and freedom of expression in Iran, drawing international attention to her cause. This event further solidified her resolve to fight for democratic freedoms and justice within the country.

On October 10, 2003, Shirin Ebadi was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her significant and pioneering efforts for democracy and human rights, focusing especially on women's and children's rights. She became the first Iranian and the first Muslim woman to receive the prize. The Nobel Committee recognized her as a courageous and persistent activist who promoted democratic reform and inclusiveness in Iranian society, often at great personal risk.

On December 10, 2004, Shirin Ebadi delivered her Nobel Lecture at the Oslo City Hall in Norway. In her speech, she focused on the intertwined challenges of human rights and peace, with particular attention to the importance of addressing human dignity in the context of global conflicts. Her lecture emphasized the role of legal frameworks in safeguarding rights and highlighted the crucial need for solidarity and action from the international community.

On June 12, 2009, Shirin Ebadi was forced into exile following the controversial Iranian presidential election, which was marked by widespread protests and accusations of election fraud. As the government cracked down on dissent, Ebadi faced increasing threats to her safety. She subsequently left Iran for her own security, continuing her activism and advocacy from abroad, raising global awareness about human rights issues in Iran.

On November 26, 2009, the Iranian authorities seized Shirin Ebadi's Nobel Peace Prize medal and froze her bank accounts in Iran. This act was part of a broader series of repressive measures against her and her activism. The government accused her of owing taxes on the prize money, a claim Ebadi rejected as politically motivated. This seizure was widely condemned by international organizations, and the medal was later returned after intense pressure.

On November 14, 2013, Shirin Ebadi published her memoir 'Until We Are Free: My Fight for Human Rights in Iran'. The book provides a detailed account of her life as a lawyer and human rights activist, particularly her battles against the Iranian government's repression. It sheds light on her persistent struggle for the rights of individuals within a harsh regime, her experiences with imprisonment, and her exile. The memoir received critical acclaim for its passionate and courageous narrative.

In June 2015, Shirin Ebadi established the Center for Supporters of Human Rights, an organization dedicated to promoting human rights issues related to Iran, particularly focusing on supporting victims of human rights abuses and raising international awareness. Based in London, the center operates as a channel for solidarity and support for Iranian activists and seeks to hold the Iranian government accountable for its actions.