What is more relevant, considering that both the blocking of the bank account and the confiscation of the award is illegal under Iranian law, is whether the move has been motivated by petty politics. At least that is what Mohammad Ali Dadkhah, a spokesman for Ebadi’s human rights group, says is what has happened.
And given that Ebadi is an outspoken critic of the government and human rights violations, that indeed sounds more plausible. Also, the fact that the Nobel laureate has been strongly critical of the June presidential polls must have prompted a regime known for its intolerance of any degree of political dissent to carry out this ignoble act. Therein lies the most obvious motive. And the minutiae of any counter-argument or ‘technical’ justification can only make a disgraceful act more despicable.
Not surprisingly, the Norwegian Nobel Committee’s permanent secretary, Geir Lundestad, has said categorically that the move was “unheard of” and “unacceptable.” Surely, Teheran too is well aware of its plummeting reputation and credibility in the international community — primarily as a consequence of such singular acts of political vindictiveness.
Of course, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad did secure enough votes in the controversial June 12 polls to remain in power. But it must be remembered, his re-election also sparked the largest street protests in the country since the 1979 Islamic revolution. Ahmadinejad has a lot to answer and the Iranian civil society knows it better than anyone else.
The persecution of Ebadi (including her husband or family or friends) on any pretext can only further discredit an already discredited government. Ebadi herself, who had left Iran shortly before the June polls, continues to receive all kinds of vicious threats.
She has announced that she would “return whenever it is useful for my country.” But before she returns, it would be best if the Iranian authorities reverse their decision and return Ebadi her prized Nobel medallion with full honours and, if it’s not too much to ask, with some good grace as well for good measure.Not to do so is not an option.
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