Shabana Rehman died on Thursday 29 December after a long illness with cancer.
She herself has been completely open about her own illness.
– It is a great loss that we have lost Shabana. At the same time, we should feel grateful that we had her.
– Her efforts for Norwegian freedom of expression, and freedom for minorities in particular, were very important, says Kjersti Løken Stavum, chairman of the freedom of expression organization Norsk Pen.
HYLLER REHMAN: Chairman of Norsk Pen, Kjersti Løken Stavrum. Photo: Ole Berg-Rusten / NTB
I think the last time was important
Rehman went to Germany several times to receive life-prolonging treatments.
– I think that when she became ill, many people recognized the role she has played in the Norwegian public. I think that the extra time she got, with the treatments abroad, did her good. I think it was important to more people than her, says Stavrum.
In November, Rehman received Norsk Pen’s Ossietzky Prize. The prize was awarded earlier than usual, precisely because she was seriously ill.
In its justification, the jury highlighted the importance of religious criticism as part of freedom of expression.
“Standup comedian, writer and playwright Shabana Rehman has been a courageous voice in Norway against religious oppression and a culture of honor for almost a generation,” the statement reads.
The lover in grief
They also point out that her family has been attacked because of the way Rehman has used his freedom of speech.
“Rehman has been a principled voice for the fact that everyone is born free, and through her work she has therefore paved the way for other and new voices for and against to enter the public debate”.
Rehman’s girlfriend, Petter Simonsen, writes the following on Facebook:
– My much-loved Shabana traveled over to the other side this morning peacefully surrounded by those closest to her. I am in great sorrow, but at the same time feel enormous gratitude for every second I have had with my twin soul and great love.
Politician Abid Raja also comments on the death on his Facebook profile.
– You will be missed, and the work what you have done leaves significant positive and lasting traces also for the generations that come after us, he writes, among other things.
Sturgeon: Strong and fearless
Jonas Gahr Støre tells TV 2 that Rehman was a strong and fearless voice for many years.
– By breaking taboos, she paved the way for a new generation of women with an immigrant background. Shabana stood up for freedom of expression and contributed to Norwegian diversity. She left us far too soon. I pray for her memory.
STRONG: Jonas Gahr Støre believes that Rehman stood up for freedom of expression. Photo: Alf Simensen / TV 2
Conservative leader Erna Solberg writes on Twitter:
– Sad to hear that Shabana Rehman has passed away. For over 20 years, a clear and important voice against oppression and for freedom, with humor and seriousness. Thank you from all of us who got to experience the commitment and joy of life.
Culture Minister Anette Trettebergstuen says that it is “terribly sad to hear that Shabana Rehman has lost her life to cancer”.
– A passionately committed and courageous voice has died far too soon. With humour, warmth and sting, she came up with important, often subtle, oblique views of our society – of ourselves. She was one of our most important pioneers in the fight against negative social control, and a brave champion of freedom for girls from minority backgrounds.
– She was open to the end, and we got to follow her into the illness. We all cheered her on so fervently. We will take her courage with us further. Now all my warmest thoughts go to Shabana’s loved ones, says Trettebergstuen.
SAD: Culture Minister Anette Trettebergstuen says her thoughts go out to Rehman’s closest relatives. Photo: Jonas Been Henriksen / TV 2
I think the future will tell
Aftenposten editor Harald Stanghelle writes on Twitter:
So sad, so sad. She has left a trail and paved the way. And she has made us laugh and think. Peace be upon your memory Shabana and thank you for all you gave. https://t.co/4PB1ry0e6k
— Karin Andersen (@SV_Karin) December 29, 2022
– The future will fully show how important Shabana Rehman was to us. After all, she was so much more than an important voice among other important voices. Shabana was a true pioneer who blazed a trail where so many others later found their way to freedom.
Subject editor Danby Choi believes that Rehman is one of the most important Norwegians to have lived.
FRIENDS: Danby Choi and Shabana Rehman. Photo: Private
He describes her as an icon of freedom of expression and one of the greatest liberating role models for minority Norwegians.
– She was one of the very first liberal immigrants who pushed the boundaries of what an immigrant woman, a Pakistani woman, could be, says Choi.
– She literally showed her ass to religious moralists and also really progressive moralists who wanted to reduce her to something she was not, and put her in a box. She has fought so many important battles for immigrants.
Choi finds it very sad that she has now passed away.
– I had a close and friendly relationship with her eventually, and she supported me through many of the heaviest storms I faced.
