– An enormous loss for Norway – news Culture and entertainment

– It came as a shock, even though I saw it coming. It feels like a part of me is gone, says childhood friend Zahid Ali. At the end of April, comedian and public debater Shabana Rehman told in an interview with Se og Hør that she had contracted pancreatic cancer. – I visited her a couple of days ago. Then I realized that there was not much time left. It was a tough message to receive. CHILDHOOD FRIENDS: Zahid Ali and Shabana Rehman together at primary school in 1985. Photo: Privat Storting representative Abid Raja writes that Rehman was a trailblazer for the whole of Norway, for all women, but beyond. – Shabana literally fought with her own life as an effort for freedom of expression, for diversity, for equality. She went further than most dared, and she has paved the way for many. Shabana made Norway bigger and better, and writes further: – Shabana’s passing is an enormous loss for Norway. You will be missed, and the work you have done will leave significant positive and lasting traces also for the generations that come after us. – She has shown us how important freedom is Leader of Norsk PEN Kjersti Løken Stavrum also mourns her passing. – I think she was unexpected and magnificent. Very sad because I think she had a lot left to do. Rehman was awarded Norsk PEN’s Ossietzky Prize for 2022 for the exercise of freedom of expression in a “creative and sensational way” over several decades. – She has shown us how important freedom is. Especially for minorities. It’s not exactly small. Photo: Gunnar Bratthammer / news – It is terribly sad to hear that Shabana Rehman has lost her life to cancer, writes Minister for Equality Anette Trettebergstuen. – A passionately committed and courageous voice has died far too soon. She was one of our most important pioneers in the fight against negative social control, and a brave champion of freedom for girls with a minority background, and writes further: – 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



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