More Than A Magazine, A Movement
Wearing the hijab didn’t bother me—I had the sanctuary of my home and progressive parents, and I was privileged enough to immigrate to America. I had a choice. The “I oppose the mandatory hijab” buttons are for the Iranian women who don’t have choices.
Anyone who can name one or two of their fundamental rights under threat should wear a button, take a picture and post it on social media. To request a button, or for more information, email: freedombutton2023@gmail.com.
Each year, the State Department awards 10 people the special designation of “Global Human Rights Defender.” This coveted award is reserved for individuals “who have demonstrated leadership and courage while promoting and defending human rights and fundamental freedoms; countering and exposing human rights abuses by governments and businesses; and rallying action to protect the environment, improve governance, and secure accountability and an end to impunity.”
Nasrin Sotoudeh—an Iranian human rights lawyer and long-time friend of Ms. magazine who has spent her career fighting for the rights of women and minorities in the Middle East—was one of the 10 recipients.
For almost two weeks, protests have been raging across Iran, triggered by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was in custody of the morality police at the time of her death. Her alleged crime was not abiding by the country’s hijab rules.
Iranian human rights lawyer and long-time friend of Ms. magazine, Nasrin Sotoudeh has spent her career fighting for the rights of women and minorities in the Middle East. In a letter to Ms., Sotoudeh connected what’s happening with Iran to the global fight for women’s rights.
Iranian human rights attorney Nasrin Sotoudeh is home from prison on temporary medical leave. That is a simple thing to write, but there is so much emotion, strength, sacrifice, vision and history involved. And so much at stake in what will come next.
“It’s very difficult to be there,” she continued, “but I carry a sense of beauty that is very sustaining from making new friends and having an opportunity to continue my work. For instance, an hour before leaving I was advising a particular prisoner about her legal case. I can help these women appeal for their rights and freedom. That is deeply rewarding.'”
With an unfair election selection and a conservative candidate as the winner, feminist and human rights groups in Iran are spreading their message and preparing to fight back.
“My wife Nasrin Sotoudeh has been unjustly and cruelly imprisoned since June 2018 for her legal work representing Iranian human rights and women’s rights activists. … I call on the United Nations to conduct an independent investigation into all of Iran’s prisons, and for Qarchak women’s prison to be immediately closed. The dignity, health and safety of women, children and families everywhere demands no less.”
The #FREELOUJAIN and #FREENASRIN campaign is a global plea for the full freedom of Iranian attorney Nasrin Sotoudeh and Loujain al-Hathloul of Saudi Arabia, as well as a call for the release of all political prisoners.
Throughout Women’s History Month, feminist experts in politics, public service and more are coming together to share their lived experiences and help propel women’s rights forward—and Ms. is here to keep you in the loop.
At some risk to herself and her family, Iranian human rights attorney Nasrin Sotoudeh has written a letter to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres sounding the alarm about rampant executions in Iran.
Bryan Stevenson, founder and executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, released a video Friday honoring Nasrin Sotoudeh and calling for her release.
“I stand in solidarity with Nasrin because I believe as she does that justice is essential; humanity and dignity for all is essential; equality is essential in every society on the planet.”
