What Iran’s Crackdown Looks Like From Inside: A Q&A With Nasrin Sotoudeh and Reza Khandan

By Jeff Kaufman February 10, 2026 1 min read

As mass protests and a deadly crackdown grip Iran, human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh speaks from Tehran while her husband, activist Reza Khandan, calls in from Evin Prison—offering a rare, firsthand account of repression, resistance and the stakes for democracy inside the country. "My message has always been to use all non-violent means to persuade governments to uphold democracy and human rights. Small actions can have big impacts." "... You can’t bomb a country into democracy." The post What Iran’s Crackdown Looks Like From Inside: A Q&A With Nasrin Sotoudeh and Reza Khandan appeared first on Ms. Magazine .

Why this matters

The situation in Iran highlights the challenges faced by activists and human rights defenders in countries with restrictive governments. Nasrin Sotoudeh's message of using non-violent means to promote democracy and human rights resonates globally, particularly in the context of reproductive rights and gender equity. The Iranian government's crackdown on protests and dissent has significant implications for women's rights and freedoms, as women are often at the forefront of demands for social and political change. The fact that Reza Khandan is calling from Evin Prison underscores the risks faced by those who speak out against repression. As the international community watches the developments in Iran, it is crucial to consider the intersections between democracy, human rights, and gender equity, and to support those who are fighting for a more just and equitable society. The stakes for democracy and human rights in Iran have far-reaching implications for similar movements worldwide.

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