Amnesty International UK Media Director, Lesley Warner, said:

'By honouring Shirin the Nobel Committee has recognised the critical importance of human rights and the individuals who defend them around the world.

'Coming at a time when basic human rights are increasingly under threat this award will bring renewed hope for those engaged in the daily struggle to uphold human rights.'

Shirin Ebadi has fought for many human rights defenders, including Amnesty International Prisoners of Conscience. The award pays homage to her and all others who battle against injustice.

Background

Shirin Ebadi, an advocate of Women's rights's rightss rights's rights's rights's rights's rights and human rights, has defended many victims of human rights violations. In 2000 she defended Mehrangiz Kar and Shahla Lahiji, both prisoners of conscience, fighting for Women's rights's rightss rights's rights's rights's rights's rights in Iran.

Shirin Ebadi also investigated the 'serial murders' of writers and intellectuals in Iran 1998 and 1999. For these investigations she was arrested in June 2000, accused of producing and distributing a video cassette which allegedly 'disturbed public opinion.' She was tried in a closed hearing and given an 18 months suspended prison sentence and a suspension from practising law for five years.

Amnesty International has repeatedly called on the Iranian authorities for reforms which guarantee the independence of the judiciary, and for an end to impunity for those who have violated human rights.