In a country where the oppressive regime thrives on the silencing of women’s voices, Iranian human rights attorney Nasrin Sotoudeh and her family are caught in a web of state-sanctioned oppression, exemplified by the imprisonment of her husband Reza Khandan. Nasrin, recently released from prison, expressed her gratitude in the September 2022 issue of Ms. magazine for the unwavering support afforded to them during her darkest days behind bars.
She spoke about the heart-wrenching daily pressure their family endures, which tightened like a noose around their lives. On December 13, this pressure escalated dramatically when Reza Khandan was arrested while advocating for women’s rights in Iran. Nasrin, who has faced over seven years of imprisonment largely due to her refusal to conform to the mandatory hijab laws, has seen her own life dismantled—losing her law licence, enduring harassment against her daughter, and dealing with frozen bank accounts.
The repercussions of Reza’s arrest have been severe; their son was violently beaten by guards during a visitation, while Reza has been thrown into solitary confinement, deprived of family contact and comfort. This harrowing situation led to the creation of a petition advocating for Reza’s release, endorsed wholeheartedly by Nasrin. In her heartfelt statement to Ms., she lamented, “My husband Reza was imprisoned for the commitment we share to human rights. He is now facing three more years in prison.”
Reflecting on their life together, she shared how Reza’s unwavering love fueled her commitment to fight for women’s rights and oppose capital punishment. His remarkable sense of humour and calmness during challenging times brought joy and light to their home. “Those qualities, and so much more, have been cruelly removed from our life and our home. Now, Reza is in Evin Prison, and they have even taken away our right to visit him. I worry about him deeply.”
In a show of resilience, Reza remains committed and stated from prison, “I will continue until I achieve legal rights, restore my family’s dignity, and change the conditions of the prison administration. May the shadow of terror and tyranny be removed from our beloved country one day. Finally, I would like to add: ‘I object to the compulsory hijab.’” This tribute of courage and determination is also featured in the forthcoming Spring issue of Ms. magazine, hitting newsstands on April 4, 2025.
Iranian attorney Nasrin Sotoudeh is fighting against oppression in Iran after her husband Reza Khandan was imprisoned for advocating women’s rights. In a heartfelt statement, she expresses her love for Reza and highlights the struggles their family faces, including violence against their son. Despite the hardships, both remain steadfast in their commitment to human rights and oppose the compulsory hijab.
Nasrin Sotoudeh’s poignant narrative highlights the struggle against oppressive regimes that silence advocates of change. Despite immense personal sacrifice and the ongoing battle for human rights, both she and her husband Reza demonstrate uncompromising resolve. Their love for each other fuels their fight for freedom and dignity amidst harrowing circumstances, reminding the world of the stark realities faced by many in Iran.
Original Source: msmagazine.com
