Nasrin Sotoudeh Praises Ukraine’s Resistance: This War is a Battle Between Democracy and Dictatorship
Nasrin Sotoudeh, a lawyer and human rights activist, described what is happening in Ukraine as “a battle between democracy and dictatorship” in a letter released from prison on Monday, and praised the people of Ukraine for their resistance against Russia’s military aggression.
Ms. Sotoudeh, in this letter addressed to the UN Secretary-General, called for the world’s assistance to the Ukrainian people who “do not want to be silently crushed under the boots of invading aggressors.”
The human rights activist wrote: “As a woman who has lived in a country directly engaged in war for 8 full years, I can imagine the horror caused by war and naked violence against defenseless people, and I want to inform you of my own horror at such a reckless aggression.”
Ms. Sotoudeh continued: “This war is a battle between democracy and dictatorship, but fortunately the people of Ukraine are not alone in this struggle and the world has rushed to help Ukraine with great concern.”
Russia’s military invasion of Ukraine, which took place despite numerous warnings from Western leaders, has resulted in Moscow’s international isolation. While Russia is trying to capture Kyiv, Ukraine’s capital, it faces widespread global sanctions that are crippling its economy. On the other hand, contrary to predictions, the Russian advance toward Kyiv and other major Ukrainian cities has not been easy and has faced fierce Ukrainian resistance.
Nasrin Sotoudeh wrote in her letter: “Like millions of people around the world, I too am terrified by this audacious aggression, and in solidarity with the Ukrainian people and standing by their side, I declare that global peace is meaningless without resistance to Russian military aggression and support for Ukraine.”
She ultimately asked Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, to use “all international capacities to end this blatant aggression.”
Nasrin Sotoudeh, who has been imprisoned since June 14, 2018, has been convicted of various political charges to 33 years in prison and 148 lashes.
Source: Radio Farda
