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GUEST: Nobel Peace Laureate, Shirin Ebadi, interviewed by David Barsamian of Alternative Radio

In 2003, Shirin Ebadi became the first Iranian and the first Muslim woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. She is a Iranian lawyer, human rights activist and founder of the Association for Support of Children’s Rights in Iran. In 1975, she became the first woman in Iranian law history to head a legislative branch. Following the Iranian revolution four years later, she was unable to work in law due to pressure by conservative clerics. In 1993 Ebadi resumed her role in the court and began representing many liberal and dissident figures, and has defended children’s rights and free speech rights. Shirin Ebadi has spoken out against foreign intervention in Iran. She now lectures law at the University of Tehran and is a campaigner for strengthening the legal status of children and women. She recently published a book, “Iran Awakening : A Memoir of Revolution and Hope.” David Barsamian, host of Alternative Radio, interviewed Shirin Ebadi in Denver, Colorado on May 17th, 2006.

Alternative Radio can be heard on KPFK on Fridays from 3-4 pm.