Kouhyar Goudarzi was recently honored with the John Auchobon Award for press freedom at the National Press Club. In a message read at the ceremony his mother, Parvin Mokhtare, said that bestowing the award on her son is a “great honor” for her and “an encouragement for all mothers of Iranian political prisoners.” In her message, the complete text of which is below, Mokhtare dedicated the award to the “green and great nation of Iran, to Argentinian mothers, Palestinian mothers, patient mothers of Iran, especially the mothers of Neda Agha Soltan, Sohrab Arabi, Mohsen Rooholamini, Kianoush Asa, and all mothers of imprisoned, but free-spirited, political prisoners of Iran.” Related links, including a video of the award ceremony follow the letter.

Kouhyar Goudarzi is a member of the Committee of Human Rights Reporters who has been in prison since December 2009.

Respected Founders and Members of the National Press Club (USA)

Ladies and Gentlemen,

With greetings and gratitude for granting the National Press Club’s Freedom Award to my son, Kouhyar Goudarzi, I would like you to know that bestowing the John Aubuchon Award on Kouhyar is a great honor for me, and an encouragement for all mothers of Iranian political prisoners. It is pleasing to know that the “charges” levied against our children, in their own country, for which they have been imprisoned, charges such as human rights work, fighting for the right to higher education, free speech, free press, rights of child labor, campaign against the death penalty, civil and citizenship rights, etc., are not “charges,” but causes of encouragement and applause in other countries. On behalf of Kouhyar and myself, I dedicate this award to the green and great nation of Iran, to Argentinian mothers, Palestinian mothers, patient mothers of Iran, especially the mother of Neda Agha Soltan, mother of Sohrab Arabi, mother of Mohsen Rooholamini, mother of Kianoush Asa, and all mothers of imprisoned, but free-spirited, political prisoners of Iran.

I am certain that the green and noble people of Iran, with perseverance and endurance, will achieve all their legitimate demands and that day will come. I wish I could receive this award for Kouhyar in person; however, unfortunately this was not possible due to time constraints. Since my son remains in prison at this time, I hope someday he’d be able to receive his prize in person.

With greetings to all free people of the world,

With much respect and gratitude,

Parvin Mokhtare

Mother of Kouhyar Goodarzi

Award video clip:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkAWGxab2Hs (Goudarzi award is at 6:30)
Report of Award Ceremony:  http://press.org/news-multimedia/news/national-press-club-demands-iran-release-jailed-journalists