Marjane Satrapi Rejects French Legion d'Honneur

Marjane Satrapi, the French-Iranian author known for her graphic novel 'Persepolis', has declined France's Legion d'Honneur, citing the country's 'hypocritical attitude' towards Iran, particularly regarding its immigration policies. In her letter to France's culture minister, she expressed concern over the preferential treatment given to children of Iranian elites compared to young dissidents who struggle to obtain visas. Satrapi, who has lived in France since 1994 and became a French citizen in 2006, emphasized the need to support those fighting for democracy in Iran. Her refusal to accept the prestigious award aligns her with notable figures like Jean-Paul Sartre and Annie Ernaux, who have similarly declined the honor. She articulated her views on social media, stating her decision was not meant to disrespect the award but to highlight issues surrounding France's dealings with Iran. Satrapi's work often reflects her experiences growing up under Iran's theocratic regime, making her a prominent voice in discussions about freedom and human rights.