Nasrin Sotoudeh (Iran)

Who is Nasrin Sotoudeh?

Nasrin Sotoudeh is a world-renowned human rights lawyer and activist from Iran. She is widely considered a leading voice for the rule of law and women's rights within the country.

Key Information

• Profession: Human rights lawyer and activist.
• Advocacy: Known for defending activists, opposition figures, and women protesting the compulsory hijab.
• Legal Battles: She has spent years in prison, notably receiving a sentence in 2019 of 33 years and 148 lashes.
• Recent Events: On 1 April 2026, she was reportedly arrested again at her home in Tehran by security forces.

Major Achievements

• Sakharov Prize (2012): Awarded by the European Parliament for her work on freedom of thought.
• Right Livelihood Award (2020): Often called the "Alternative Nobel Prize," for her fearless activism.
• International Profile: Her struggle is documented in the film Nasrin, highlighting her fight against institutional injustice.

Why Her Case Matters

⚖️ Legal Resistance: She consistently challenges the Iranian judiciary from within, often refusing to wear the mandatory hijab in court as an act of defiance.

📢 Global Symbol: Her imprisonment is frequently cited by organisations like Amnesty International as a symbol of the broader crackdown on civil society in Iran.

Draft by Google Gemini, Date: 27.04.26

Tip: Visit our comprehensive guide on Human Rights in Iran

Tip: Our guides on Women in Iran and Mahsa Amini