Iranian Human Rights Lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh Awarded Thulani Maseko Justice Prize

Iranian human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh is the recipient of the Thulani Maseko Justice Prize 2026, an international honor recognizing her work in defense of human rights.

The award, established by the Human Rights Foundation (HRF) and the Thulani Maseko Foundation, acknowledges lawyers who have made significant contributions to protecting fundamental rights and advancing the rule of law in authoritarian countries.

Born in Tehran in 1963, Sotoudeh has dedicated her career to defending individuals facing human rights violations, with a particular focus on women. She has been arrested multiple times and has served significant prison sentences. In 2019, she was sentenced to 38 years imprisonment and 148 lashes.

After her release on medical furlough in 2023, Sotoudeh has reportedly been re-arrested several times. Her current status is uncertain, but it is believed she remains in Tehran under strict bail conditions. Organizers expressed hope that she might be able to participate in the award ceremony in The Hague.

The prize honors the memory of Thulani Maseko, who was assassinated in Eswatini in 2023. This marks the fourth presentation of the award.