Nasrin Sotoudeh, Lawyer and Human Rights Defender, Wins 'Democracy Medal' from the University of Pennsylvania

Nasrin Sotoudeh, an Iranian lawyer and human rights defender, has been awarded the '2023 Democracy Medal' from the University of Pennsylvania for her struggle for democracy in Iran. According to a press release from the University of Pennsylvania, Sotoudeh, who is also known as the 'Nelson Mandela of Iran,' is recognized for her defense of women's rights and religious minorities in Iran, particularly regarding mandatory hijab laws. Ms. Sotoudeh has also faced harassment for representing political prisoners and government opponents in Iran. Currently under house arrest in Iran, she is unable to personally receive the award, so Jeff Kaufman and Marcia Ross, producers of the documentary 'Nasrin,' which focuses on Sotoudeh's life and work, will accept the award on her behalf. Chris Beam, director of the McCourtney Institute for Democracy, stated, 'Nasrin Sotoudeh shows the world what it means to stand for democracy in the toughest circumstances.' He added, 'Nasrin Sotoudeh's courageous work in defending human rights and the rule of law in Iran is based on her unwavering commitment to democracy. This is why she is so deserving of the Brown Medal. She is an inspiration for democracy around the world.' At the award ceremony, her new book titled 'Woman, Life, Freedom: Our Struggle for Human Rights and Equality in Iran' will also be unveiled. This political activist, who is currently on medical leave, stated in a televised interview with Christiane Amanpour, a prominent CNN host, that protests in Iran are ongoing and have not ended in any way. It is noteworthy that the U.S. State Department's spokesperson office also introduced Nasrin Sotoudeh and nine other political and social activists from around the world as winners of the annual global human rights defenders award on February 1, 2023. The statement referred to Nasrin Sotoudeh as a prominent Iranian lawyer and human rights activist representing imprisoned opposition activists and politicians following the pro-democracy protests of June 2009, religious and ethnic minorities under persecution, and also 'prisoners sentenced to death for crimes committed in childhood.'