Iranian human-rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh wins the 2026 Vaclav Havel Human Rights Prize, an award presented by the Council of Europe. The recognition highlights her long-running legal and advocacy work for the protection of human rights.
Across outlets, Sotoudeh’s focus is described in overlapping terms, including advocacy for women and children, and for people such as activists, journalists, political prisoners, minorities, and those opposed to the death penalty. RFI specifically links the award to her defense of activists, journalists and minority groups, as well as opponents of capital punishment. DW emphasizes her prominence as an advocate for women, children, and political prisoners. Al-Monitor adds that the award comes months after her release following her latest arrest, and notes that she remains in Iran, speaking briefly in a video message after being released on bail.
All sources present the prize as recognition by the Council of Europe, with differing emphasis on the particular groups Sotoudeh has defended and the timing and circumstances of her recent detention.
