Famous Iranian Activists

Shirin Ebadi is an Iranian Nobel laureate, lawyer, writer, teacher, and former judge known for her significant contributions to human rights advocacy in Iran. She founded the Defenders of Human Rights Center and received the Nobel Peace Prize in 2003 for her dedication to promoting democracy and advocating for the rights of women, children, and refugees. As the first Muslim woman and Iranian to win the award, she has been a prominent figure in the international community, living in exile in London since 2009.

Shirin Neshat is an Iranian photographer and visual artist based in New York City, renowned for her work in film, video, and photography. Her artwork focuses on the contrasts between Islam and the West, femininity and masculinity, public and private life, antiquity and modernity, as well as bridging these subjects. Following the Islamic Revolution, she has used her art to address themes of tyranny, dictatorship, oppression, and political injustice. Neshat has received prestigious awards, such as the International Award of the XLVIII Venice Biennale and the Silver Lion for best director at the 66th Venice Film Festival. Additionally, she was named Artist of the Decade by Huffington Post critic G. Roger Denson and serves as a critic in the photography department at the Yale School of Art.

Nasrin Sotoudeh is a prominent human rights lawyer in Iran known for her advocacy on behalf of imprisoned activists, politicians, and minors facing the death penalty. She has represented notable individuals such as journalist Isa Saharkhiz, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi, and women arrested for not wearing a hijab in public. Sotoudeh's work has been highlighted in the 2020 documentary "Nasrin," showcasing her commitment to defending the rights of women, children, and minorities. Recognized for her impact, she was named one of Time's 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2021.

Simin Behbahani, also known as Bihbahani, was a prominent Iranian contemporary poet, lyricist, and activist. Renowned for her mastery of the ghazal poetic form, she was hailed as the "Lioness of Iran" by the Iranian intelligentsia. Throughout her career, Behbahani was twice nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature and received numerous international literary awards. Her work not only enriched Persian literature but also solidified her reputation as a significant cultural and intellectual figure in Iran, leaving a lasting impact on the literary world.

Maryam Namazie is a prominent British-Iranian secularist, communist, and human rights activist. She serves as the Spokesperson for Fitnah – Movement for Women’s Liberation, One Law for All, and the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain. Known for her outspoken stance against Islam and Islamism, Namazie advocates for the rights of apostasy and blasphemy. As a commentator and broadcaster, she actively engages in discussions on critical social issues, challenging oppressive ideologies and advocating for equality and human rights.

Sayyid Jamal al-Din al-Afghani was a prominent political activist and Islamic ideologist in the late 19th century. He played a key role in founding Islamic Modernism and advocating for Pan-Islamic unity in India against British colonial rule. Al-Afghani focused on uniting Muslims against Western pressure, rather than dwelling on minor differences in Islamic jurisprudence. He also participated in a successful plot to assassinate Shah Naser-al-Din due to the Shah's perceived excessive concessions to foreign powers, particularly the British Empire.

Grand Ayatollah Hussein-Ali Montazeri was an influential Iranian Shia Islamic theologian, democratic advocate, writer, and human rights activist. He played a significant role in the Iranian Revolution and was considered one of the highest-ranking authorities in Shia Islam. Montazeri was initially designated as the successor to Ayatollah Khomeini but fell out with him over government policies he believed infringed on people's rights. He spent his later years in Qom, where he remained politically influential despite being placed under house arrest. Montazeri was known for his criticism of the Islamic Republic's policies and advocacy for Baháʼí, civil, and women's rights in Iran.

Ruhollah Zam was an Iranian activist and journalist known for founding the Telegram channel 'Amadnews' in 2015. He played a significant role in providing coverage of the 2017–2018 Iranian protests. Zam's involvement in the anti-government forum led to his conviction of "corruption on earth" by an Iranian court in June 2020. This forum was accused of inciting the protests, resulting in Zam being sentenced to death. He was executed on 12 December 2020.

Parvin Ardalan is a prominent Iranian writer, journalist, and women's rights activist known for her unwavering dedication to advancing gender equality in Iran. Her remarkable efforts and advocacy work have garnered international recognition, including the prestigious Olof Palme Prize in 2007. Through her literary contributions and activism, Ardalan has been a leading voice in the fight for women's rights in Iran. In acknowledgment of her significant contributions, she was granted permanent residency by the Swedish Migration Board in 2012, providing her with a platform to continue her impactful work on a global scale.

Mirza Reza Kermani was an Iranian activist who was a follower of Jamal al-Din al-Afghani. He played a significant role in history by assassinating King Nasser-al-Din, as part of a movement demanding just rule from the Qajar dynasty. Kermani's professional life was characterized by his dedication to advocating for political change and challenging the existing power structures. Despite facing opposition and ultimately being executed, his actions left a lasting impact on Iranian politics and society during the late 19th century.

Majid Kavousifar was an Iranian individual involved in a criminal case where he was convicted of the murder of Judge Masoud Ahmadi Moghaddasi. Prior to his involvement in this incident, Majid Kavousifar's professional life was not extensively documented. The focus of public information about him primarily revolved around the criminal case and subsequent legal proceedings that led to his execution by hanging in Tehran in August 2007.