Shirin Ebadi

Announcing their decision, the head of Norwegian Nobel Committee, Ole Danbolt Mjoes, said, "As a lawyer, judge, lecturer, writer and activist, she has spoken out clearly and strongly in her country, Iran and far beyond its borders. She has stood up as a sound professional, a courageous person, and has never heeded the threats to her own safety."

Shirin Ebadi was born in Iran and after receiving her law degree from University of Tehran became one of the first women judges in her country. Throughout her career, she has been criticized and harassed for her outspoken views against Islamic fundamentalism and her belief in the direct correlation between Islamic and democratic values and human rights. "In my view there is no difference between Islam and human rights." she said after receiving prize.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee said that by awarding the prize to Ebadi, they hope to provide inspiration to people "in all countries where the fight for human rights needs inspiration and support."

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