The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Shirin Ebadi, an Iranian campaigner for human rights, noted for her work in promoting the rights of women and children. The winner was announced at 11:00 (09:00 GMT) by Ole Danbolt Mjoes, chairman of the five-member selection committee. Mjoes paid tribute to Ebadi's work both at home and abroad saying that she understood that "No society can be seen as democratic without women being represented". Ebadi, a lawyer well-known throughout Iran, was the country's first female judge, but was forced to resign following the Islamic Revolution in 1979. "As a lawyer, judge, lecturer, writer and activist, she has spoken out clearly and strongly in her country, Iran, far beyond its borders," the Norwegian Nobel Committee said in a statement announcing the decision. The committee said she was a "sound professional, a courageous person, and has never heeded the threat to her own safety". On hearing of her victory Ebadi said: "I'm a Muslim, so you can be a Muslim and support democracy. It's very good for human rights in Iran, especially for children's rights in Iran. I hope I can be useful."

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