The Olof Palme Prize for 2007 was awarded to PARVIN ARDALAN,

who has succeeded in making the demand for equal rights for men and women a central part of the struggle for democracy in Iran.

As a result, the women's movement for civil rights and liberties has, to a great extent, spread geographically as well as socially. Despite persecution, threats and harassment, Parvin Ardalan has been persistent in her struggle and never compromised her ideals. Through constantly more ingenious methods, she and her fellow sisters have managed to increase the support for equal rights.

The campaign for a million signatures against discrimination is an excellent example. Their intensive work deserves international recognition as a path to democracy and peace in this region of turbulence and conflict.

On her way to the ceremony in Stockholm to receive the award, Ms Ardalan was denied leaving Iran. She had already boarded her flight when security guards demanded her off the plane. Friday September 25 she has received the award at the Gothenburg Book Fair 2009.