Taghi Rahmani is the husband of Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi. He answers us from Paris, where he lives in exile and lives with his twin children who have not seen their mother for eight years. Mohammadi continues his fight from prison in Iran and has refused to appear at the show trials since 2019. Rahmani seems tempted, but is convinced that we must go to the end of the battle.
These are important days for your wife after the award…
“On October 6, when the announcement was made, he was in prison. That morning, another inmate had had a conversation with her husband, who had broken the news to her. However, state television tried to discredit the award that evening.
Now a new process has begun…
“Narges was never silent in prison. He faces five charges. But these trials are a farce because the punishments have already been decided by the security authorities. Judicial power merely formalizes what is imposed from above.”
Under what conditions does Narges live?
“In the department where it is located there are 52 women, all activists and journalists. Worryingly, she could be transferred from Evin prison and placed with people accused of murder and theft. It is a leverage and could be used to isolate her, but it violates every international convention because she should be with prisoners accused of crimes similar to hers.”
What do you think of Western governments' efforts to enforce human rights?
“For Narges they are not enough because human rights are not a priority, but energy issues are.”
Has anything changed after Mahsa Amini's death?
“Iranians have become bolder and the regime has lost legitimacy.” Women are no longer afraid of not wearing the veil. At universities, some students were banned from studying. Under the banner of the veil, pensioners, teachers and activists are protesting for wages.”
What does your wife think about the veil requirement?
“He is against any form of violation of human rights.” The police who are supposed to enforce it terrorize everyone, including men. The veil not only has something to do with religion, it also represents discrimination against women and an abuse of power.”
What will be Narges' fate?
“It depends on how the international community manages to put pressure on the regime.” Narges always says that if he got out of prison but couldn’t be an activist, it would be like staying in prison.”
Can you tell us about its qualities?
“He believes strongly in respecting human rights. It has great resistance. He dedicates his life to people. An example of her was Haleh Sahabi, who was killed in 2011 because she attended the funeral of her father, who was also an activist. She was beaten so badly that she suffered a heart attack.”
What is Narges' dream?
“She wrote some letters to her children from prison, saying: I wasn't there as a mother, but I hope that the boys and girls in Iran can live in a free country.”