The United States strongly condemns the unjust and harsh verdict against human rights activist and respected lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh in Iran, and calls for her immediate release. Ms. Sotoudeh is a strong voice for rule of law and justice in Iran. We are dismayed by her continued detention and loss of the right to practice law.

Her conviction is part of a systematic attempt on the part of Iranian authorities to silence the defense of democracy and human rights in Iran. It is one in a series of harsh sentences targeting the lawyers of Iran’s human rights community which perseveres despite threats, torture, and imprisonment. We call on the Iranian government to address the international community’s “deep concern at serious human rights violations in Iran” as expressed in the December United Nations General Assembly resolution and to respect its human rights obligations, including its obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.