Iran denies seizing Nobel prize

TEHRAN, Nov. 27 (UPI) -- Iranian officials denied allegations from Norway that human rights activist Shirin Ebadi's Nobel Peace Prize was confiscated.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehman-Parast also denied allegations authorities froze Ebadi's bank account but indicated the activist, who won the peace prize in 2003, is under investigation for tax evasion, CNN reported.

"It is most surprising to see Norwegian officials jump to conclusions without respecting international regulations and taking enough time to see both sides of the matter," Mehman-Parast said Friday. "Much the same as European countries, tax evasion is a crime in Iran and individuals would face legal penalties should they commit such an act."

Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Store said "the medal and the diploma have been removed from Dr. Ebadi's bank box, together with other personal items. Such an act leaves us feeling shock and disbelief."

Store said the incident represented the "first time a Nobel Peace Prize has been confiscated by national authorities."