Norway concerned about jailed Iranian lawyer

“We are concerned about Nasrin Sotoudeh’s health. The Iranian authorities must ensure that she is given a fair trial and has humane conditions in prison,” said State Secretary Espen Barth Eide.  

The Iranian lawyer and human rights defender Nasrin Sotoudeh has now been detained for more than 100 days and is said to be extremely weak after a long hunger strike. She is being held in solitary confinement, and her lawyer and family are given very little opportunity to visit her. 

“Human rights defenders like Nasrin Sotoudeh play a key role in efforts to promote fundamental human rights. I strongly urge the Iranian authorities to ensure that she is given a trial in accordance with Iranian law and international conventions,” said Mr Eide.

Ms Sotoudeh is charged with spreading propaganda against the Iranian state, acting against national security, and being a member of a banned human rights organisation which the Iranian authorities claim is undermining national security.