Iranian human rights activist awarded Nobel Peace Prize

Friday, 10 October 2003 12:00 AM

Iranian campaigner Shirin Ebadi has been named as this year's Nobel Peace Prize winner.

The human rights lawyer has won a number of other awards in recent years for her sustained fight for the rights of women and children in Iran.

Ms Ebadi was the country's first female judge, but was forced to resign her post following the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

On hearing of the decision, Ms Ebadi said she hoped it would serve to highlight human rights issues in Iran.

"I'm a Muslim, so you can be a Muslim and support democracy. It's very good for human rights in Iran, especially for children's rights in Iran. I hope I can be useful," she said.

Ole Danbolt Mjoes, chairman of the five-member selection committee, announced the winner at 0900 BST on Friday morning.

"As a lawyer, judge, lecturer, writer and activist, she has spoken out clearly and strongly in her country, Iran, far beyond its borders," a statement from the Norwegian Nobel Committee said.

The title comes with a 10 million Swedish crowns (£800,000) prize.

Last year the Nobel Paece Prize was awarded to former US President Jimmy Carter.

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