ASPEN REVIEW: Exclusive interview with Iranian Nobel Peace Prize Laureate

In a recent interview, Iranian lawyer, judge, and human rights activist Shirin Ebadi discusses the wide gap of discontent and inequality between the people of Iran and the government. Ebadi explains the significance of the upcoming nuclear deal and how it will shape the future of Iran.

In Iran, the power of the biggest elected leader is close to nothing, with the Supreme Leader Khamenei overshadowing everyone and everything. The people don’t easily get to speak out, but Iran has a strong civil society and as of now “80% of the population thinks the worst about the government and about the direction Iran has been taking”. Ebadi explains that its not if change will happen, but when.

In terms of the nuclear program deals that are set to be decided in June, Ebadi has strong opinions about what would be the best course of action. First, she believes that human rights issues needs to be discussed in the same room as the nuclear talks and that countries like America need to stop supporting nondemocratic regimes in the Middle East. Secondly, she explains that there should be different kinds of sanctions that focus on eliminating the broadcasting of programs that promote hatred. Finally, she says that the bank accounts of people in power should be frozen so that they no longer have the opportunity to retire in Europe off the money they stole from the people of Iran. Ebadi brings the real important issues to the forefront of the nuclear deals and sanctions.