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“The crime for which Reza Khandan is in prison is the crime of love,” writes Ariel Dorfman, author and friend of Khandan and his wife, activist Nasrin Sotoudeh. “Not just love of his country and its culture. Not just love of humanity and our rights to be human. Not just love for the future. But also, the real reason why he is being punished: Reza loves the extraordinary Nasrin with whom he shares a life, a land, and a cause. How those who persecute Reza must fear his loyalty and steadfastness. He will prevail.”

“I will continue until I achieve legal rights, restore my family's dignity, and change the conditions of the prison administration,” Khandan wrote. “May the shadow of terror and tyranny be removed from our beloved country one day. And finally, I would like to add: ‘I object to the compulsory hijab!’” 

The post Reza Khandan: A Year in Prison for Supporting Women’s Rights appeared first on Ms. Magazine.

However, here in the U.S., caregiving takes on a very different form, even for families raised on the belief that caring for another is simply what we do.

The post Caregiving Is Extremely Difficult in America. It Doesn’t Have to Be This Way. appeared first on Ms. Magazine.

While recent statements from both U.S. and Iranian officials suggest a preference for negotiations over direct military conflict, it begs the question: What happens if the U.S. formally declares war—on Iran or another nation? If a draft is implemented, who will be forced to serve? And what happens to those who don’t?

The post The U.S. Draft Explained: Who Registers, Who’s At Risk, and What It Means for Women appeared first on Ms. Magazine.

When Trump sneers, “The press is the enemy of the people,” he’s not showing strength; he’s revealing weakness. A truly strong man doesn’t need to crush dissent. That’s what weak men do.

The post Why Trump’s Manhood Is Threatened by a Free Press appeared first on Ms. Magazine.

The post With War Escalating, Iranian Political Prisoners Demand Their Release—Before it’s too Late appeared first on Ms. Magazine.

"I spent over seven years in prison. Not as a criminal, but as an attorney who loves the law and believes in human rights. During that time, my husband Reza took care of our children, who were still very young. He brought them to school and to play dates and to doctors’ appointments, he cooked and he worked hard to pay our bills. Now, the children are grown up, I am free on medical leave and Reza is the one in prison. It is a strange and painful situation.

"Reza has always been a firm believer in full rights for women, and for people of all faiths and backgrounds. When he proposed to me, I told him that I refuse to wear the hijab. He said that’s a personal matter. It’s my business. His answer meant so much to me. Throughout our life together, he has always been faithful to those words."

Take action: Sign this petition calling for the immediate release from prison of Reza Khandan, organized by Reza's wife and fellow activist Sotoudeh, among others.

The post ‘Now Reza Is the One in Prison’: Nasrin Sotoudeh on the Pain of Watching Her Husband Suffer on Behalf of Women’s Rights in Iran appeared first on Ms. Magazine.

This intimate documentary captures her triumphs and setbacks, offering a powerful portrayal of breaking barriers in a deeply traditional society.

The post Sundance 2025: ‘Cutting Through Rocks’ Is a Groundbreaking Film on Rural Iran and a Woman Who Dared to Lead appeared first on Ms. Magazine.

Take action: Sign this petition calling for the immediate release from prison of Reza Khandan, organized by Reza's wife and fellow activist Sotoudeh, among others.

The post Take Action: Nasrin Sotoudeh Shares Petition to Free Husband, Iranian Women’s Rights Activist Reza Khandan, From Prison appeared first on Ms. Magazine.

At Women Press Freedom, we have called for international condemnation and for European and international leaders to take immediate action toward Sala's release.

The post Journalist Cecilia Sala Released From Iran’s Evin Prison After Being Detained for 21 Days appeared first on Ms. Magazine.