Our colleague Nasrin Sotoudeh, an Iranian lawyer and fervent defender of women’s rights, was once again arbitrarily arrested and physically assaulted on Sunday, October 29, 2023, by the Iranian police for “non-compliance with the mandatory veil” and “activity against the psychological security of society”.

Her arrest took place while she was attending the funeral of Armita GARAVAND, a 16-year-old Iranian girl also arrested for “non-compliance with the mandatory veil”, who unfortunately died as a result of injuries related to the violence suffered.

Nasrin Sotoudeh was released on bail on November 15 from the infamous Evin prison, where she had already been detained in 2010 and 2018, but she remains accused of undermining national security.

The FBE expresses its deep concern and solidarity with Nasrin Sotoudeh, her loved ones, and all our colleagues who are fighting for women’s freedom in Iran.

We will continue to closely monitor the situation and support justice and equality. We also demand that all charges against her be dropped.

The FBE also strongly condemns the violence committed against young girls and women in conflicts, which are used as particularly effective weapons of war to destroy populations.

Indeed, we know that the trauma related to sexual assaults and rapes has repercussions over several generations.

We call for an end to these inhumane practices and demand that those responsible be held accountable for their actions.