Dear John,

I am excited to invite you to a very special event this Monday: Join our team here at Ms. and the folks at PEN America on Monday, December 21 at 3 p.m. ET / 12 p.m. PT for a conversation about Iranian human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh, to mark the theatrical release of the documentary NASRIN.

The virtual panel will feature an introduction by Margaret Atwood and opening remarks by PEN America’s Karin Deutsch Karlekar; followed by a discussion moderated by New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof with human rights advocate Kerry Kennedy, Iranian artist and activist Parastou Forouhar, NASRIN filmmakers Jeff Kaufman and Marcia Ross; and a message from Nasrin’s husband, Reza Khandan.

Arrested in June 2018 for representing women who publicly protested Iran’s mandatory hijab law, Iranian human rights attorney Nasrin Sotoudeh has fought for the rights of women, children, religious minorities, journalists and artists, and those facing the death penalty. Sentenced to decades in prison and dozens of lashes, she now has COVID-19 and a heart condition—but she continues to challenge authorities and advocate for other political prisoners.

This event is free and open to the public with registration via Zoom. I know many of us are feeling Zoom fatigue after 10 months of social distancing—but this is truly a can’t miss event. Watch the NASRIN trailer here and read more about Nasrin’s story on MsMagazine.com. I hope to see you on Monday! 

For equality,

Kathy Spillar
Executive Editor