Paul Moss

So my mother, Narges Mohammadi, the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was arrested on the 12th of December during the commemoration of the death of Mr Ali Kordi.

My mother was arrested with brutality worthy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in a violence that is unfortunately commonplace but well-known and systemic.

Along with her, others were arrested.

But now we know that their situation is extremely difficult.

They have been held in police custody, which has been torture since December the 12th.

And what's more, my mother does not have the right to call or even see her lawyers.

Since December the 12th, she has only been able to call my uncle to express her fear in her injuries as she was beaten.

Can I ask how widespread you think the views that your mother stands up for are shared throughout Iran?

We are seeing these protests in different cities, in universities, but outside cities and universities, how widely are they shared?

I think these values are shared not only by my mother, but also with the entire population.

It's first and foremost about a total change of the regime, the coming of a secular democratic system that respects equality between men and women and grants freedom of the press, democracy and freedom of expression.

These are the values that are shared, that are advocated, that are carried into the streets by activists, by exiles like my father, and we hope for unity and that all of this can take shape as quickly as possible.

When is the last time you actually saw your mother?

Unfortunately, it's been over ten years since I've been able to hug my mother.

Does it feel now closer to the moment when you will be reunited with her?

Of course, it's extremely difficult.

But you see, personally, I still consider myself quite privileged.

Certainly, today I'm separated from my mother.

There are more than 4,000 kilometres between us.

But I have many compatriots, brothers and sisters in Iran, who have lost their mothers, who will never be able to hold them in their arms again.