Nobel committee selects Iranian woman as peace prize recipient

Published: 2003-10-10

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Iranian human rights and pro-democracy activist Shirin Ebadi, whose work has focused on protecting the rights of women and children, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2003. Ebadi, Iran's first woman judge before the Islamic revolution forced her to resign, prevailed in a field of 165 candidates, including Pope John Paul II. The pope had been considered a front-runner for the prize this year, following his strong efforts to prevent the Iraqi war and after nearly 25 years of work for peace and reconciliation in the world. But the Nobel committee instead chose Ebadi, 56, a Muslim who has supported recent protests against the current Iranian regime. The selection was seen as sending a political message to current Iranian leaders as they debate the future political path of the country. The prize, which carries a cash award of $1.3 million, is expected to be handed out in Oslo, Norway, Dec. 10. Ebadi is the 11th woman to win the peace prize since it was established in 1901.

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