Narges Mohammadi is an author, an activist, a freedom fighter, a wife, a mother, and an inspiration. At PEN America, we also consider her a friend. The news this morning that Narges, our 2023 PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award winner, has received the Nobel Peace Prize has us welling with pride and a sense of possibility about what this will allow Narges -- and all those women and men fighting for greater human rights in Iran -- to achieve. Our goal in honoring Narges was to tell her story to the world, galvanizing media, governments, and institutions to her cause. We sought to ratchet up the pressure on the Iranian government in the name of her freedom, and the triumph of the women's rights and human rights movement she has so boldly led.  

Back in May when Narges' husband, Taghi Rahmani, joined us in New York to receive the award on her behalf and told us the story of her teenage twins who have lived their whole lives with one or the other parent in prison, the feeling in the room was just incomparable. To see our supporters, special guests, and scores of authors pen personal messages of solidarity and encouragement to Narges helped reinforce the sense that we are all bound together by the values we share and the freedoms we crave.

This moment is emblematic of the work of PEN America. We cast light on the dark corners, working to ensure that our torch is seen and noticed by others who add to the spotlight. That collective, piercing beam turns fearless individuals like Narges, whom governments imprison and hide, into household names who are celebrated, venerated, and ultimately freed to shine their own light.

Today Narges is recognized, but she is still not free. Our work is not done. May the power of her example inspire us to redouble the fight for her freedom and that of all others who suffer for what they say, think, and write.

In solidarity,


Suzanne Nossel
CEO, PEN America