Iranian human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh wins the 2026 Vaclav Havel Human Rights Prize

Iranian human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh has been awarded the 2026 Vaclav Havel Human Rights Prize by the Council of Europe. Sotoudeh is renowned for her unwavering commitment to human rights, despite facing numerous obstacles, including repeated arrests and lengthy imprisonment. The council praised her efforts in advocating against compulsory hijab laws and the death penalty.

Throughout her career, Sotoudeh has represented various activists, journalists, members of religious minorities, and individuals sentenced to death. She was honored alongside Iranian-American journalist and women's rights activist Masih Alinejad, and Hungarian human rights lawyer Marta Pardavi. The prize, worth €60,000, is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to civil society in the defense of human rights, both within Europe and beyond.