Nasrin Sotoudeh

Nasrin Sotoudeh is an Iranian human rights lawyer and activist known for her tireless efforts to advocate for civil liberties, women’s rights, and the rule of law in Iran.

Here is a detailed history of Nasrin Sotoudeh:

Early Life and Education:

• Nasrin was born on June 30, 1963, in Tehran, Iran.
• She studied law at Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran and graduated with a law degree.

Legal Career:

• Sotoudeh began her legal career in the 1990s, specializing in human rights cases, particularly those involving women and children.
• She gained prominence for her work defending clients who faced politically motivated charges in Iran, including individuals accused of activism, dissent, and opposition to the government.

Advocacy for Women’s Rights:

• Sotoudeh was a vocal advocate for women’s rights in Iran. She challenged discriminatory laws and practices, such as mandatory veiling (hijab) for women and restrictions on women’s access to education and employment.
• Her advocacy included defending women who were arrested and prosecuted for peacefully protesting these discriminatory policies.

Arrests and Imprisonment:

• In 2010, Sotoudeh was arrested by Iranian authorities and charged with various offenses, including acting against national security, spreading propaganda against the state, and conspiring to harm state security.
• She was sentenced to six years in prison but was released in 2013 as a result of international pressure and a hunger strike she had undertaken.
• Sotoudeh continued her advocacy work after her release, representing clients and speaking out against human rights abuses in Iran.

Second Arrest and Hunger Strike:

• In June 2018, Sotoudeh was arrested again, this time facing charges related to her advocacy for women protesting compulsory hijab laws and her defense of clients accused of political activism.
• While in prison, she embarked on a hunger strike to protest the unjust treatment of political prisoners and the harassment of their families by Iranian authorities.
• Her hunger strike drew international attention, and she became a symbol of resistance against human rights abuses in Iran.

International Recognition and Support:

• Sotoudeh received numerous international awards and honors for her human rights work, including the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought awarded by the European Parliament.
• Her case garnered widespread support from international human rights organizations, governments, and activists, who called for her release and the release of other political prisoners in Iran.

Release and Ongoing Activism:

• In September 2020, Sotoudeh was temporarily released from prison due to health concerns exacerbated by her hunger strike and the COVID-19 pandemic. However, she remained under a travel ban.
• Despite facing ongoing legal restrictions, Sotoudeh continues her advocacy for human rights and the rule of law in Iran, both through her legal work and her public statements.

Sotoudeh’s life and work exemplify her unwavering commitment to justice, human rights, and the rule of law in Iran. Her courageous efforts have made her an iconic figure in the struggle for civil liberties and women’s rights in the country and have earned her international recognition as a champion of human rights.