The Friedrich Naumann Foundation will award its 2026 Freedom Prize to the people of Iran, with Reza Pahlavi accepting the award in trust at St Paul’s Church in Frankfurt on November 7. The foundation said it chose to honor the many Iranians — including women, students, journalists, workers and families — who have been killed, persecuted or imprisoned while opposing Tehran’s clerical government. Board member Steffen Saebisch described the prize as recognition of hundreds of thousands who risk their lives for freedom and as a call for international support of Iranian rights.
German Liberal Foundation Names The People Of Iran As 2026 Freedom Prize Laureates — Reza Pahlavi To Accept
FILE PHOTO - Reza Pahlavi, the exiled crown prince and son of Iran's former shah, speaks at a demonstration titled 'Support for the Iranian Revolution on the Occasion of Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi's Visit to Berlin,' held to mark his visit to the German capital. (is associated with: «German liberal foundation awards its Freedom Prize to people of Iran») Bernd von Jutrczenka/dpa
The Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom announced on Monday that it will award its 2026 Freedom Prize to the people of Iran. The foundation said it intentionally chose to honor the collective courage of Iranians who have stood up for freedom, civil rights and an open, democratic society.
Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last monarch, will accept the prize in trust on behalf of the Iranian people. The award ceremony is scheduled for 7 November at St Paul’s Church (Paulskirche) in Frankfurt.
Who Is Being Recognized
The foundation emphasized that the prize is meant to symbolize and remember those who have been killed, persecuted or imprisoned while resisting the Iranian government. It specifically highlighted women, students, journalists, workers and families who took part in protests and other acts of resistance.
Statement From The Foundation
Steffen Saebisch, a member of the foundation’s board, said the prize honors the determination for freedom shown by hundreds of thousands of people who have risked — and continue to risk — their lives to challenge Tehran’s clerical government.
Context And Controversy
Pahlavi — who was born into Iran’s former royal family and has lived in exile in the United States for decades — has emerged as a high-profile opposition voice since large-scale protests began in Iran. He has publicly called for a change of power, proposed a referendum on a new constitution followed by free elections, and presented himself as a potential transitional leader. His role is controversial: he is supported by monarchist groups while many other opposition figures oppose any return of the monarchy or leadership by members of the former ruling family.
About The Prize
The Freedom Prize has been awarded biennially since 2006 to individuals or groups demonstrating outstanding commitment to a liberal civil society. The foundation said this year’s collective award is also intended as an appeal to the international community to protect the rights of Iranians and support their demands for freedom.
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