Nasrin Sotoudeh secured her legal license in 2003, subsequently dedicating her career to representing Iranian opposition figures, political detainees, and victims of state security crackdowns. Operating from within the restrictive judicial environment of Tehran, she has focused on defending those accused of violating national security laws, while frequently appearing in cases involving the rights of women and minors.
Legal Education and Early Professional Path
Born in Tehran Province in 1963, Sotoudeh attended Shahid Beheshti University. She completed a master's degree in international law in 1989. After passing the Kanoon Vokala bar exam in 1995, she experienced an eight-year wait before receiving her permit to practice. During her early career, she worked in the legal offices of the Ministry of Housing and Bank Tejarat, where she handled litigation for the Iranian state at The Hague.
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Sotoudeh became a prominent advocate for political prisoners and activists, collaborating with figures such as Shirin Ebadi. She joined the Defenders of Human Rights Center and became an early member of the Campaign for One Million Signatures. Her caseload frequently included representing journalists, such as Isa Saharkhiz, as well as individuals detained following the 2009 presidential elections. She also specialized in protecting abused children and defending women arrested for public non-compliance with hijab regulations.
Detention and State Response
Her advocacy led to repeated conflicts with Iranian authorities. She was detained in 2008 and arrested again in 2010 on charges of conspiring against state security and spreading propaganda. Following a sentence in 2011 involving an 11-year prison term and a 20-year ban on practicing law or leaving the country, she remained a frequent target of state judicial action. She faced further punitive measures, including lashing, as late as April 2026.
Fast facts
- Born: 1963, Tehran Province, Iran
- Education: Shahid Beheshti University
- Profession: Lawyer
- Notable Awards: Sakharov Prize (2012), Right Livelihood Award (2020)
- Religion: Islam (Twelver Shiism)
- Spouse: Reza Khandan
Questions readers ask
Which major human rights organizations have recognized her work?
She has received numerous international honors, including the PEN Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write Award, the Sakharov Prize, and the Right Livelihood Award.
What specific types of legal cases did she handle?
Her practice focused on political detainees, journalists, individuals facing the death penalty for crimes committed as minors, and women arrested for public dress code violations.
