SonjaBe.com International Relations – Be Here | Be You | Be True

Words are no longer enough to get the attention of oppressive governments like the Islamic Republic of Iran. A naked picture and video however, will not only ban you from returning to Iran but it will also have the entire Iranian community scrutinizing you for either how shameless you are or how brave you are. Golshifteh Farahani is a 28 year old Paris-based Iranian actress who recently posed semi-nude in French magazine, Madame Le Figaro. The picture of Golshifteh sparked enormous Read More »

You are an outspoken female lawyer who courageously defends human rights and women’s rights in Iran.  You actively challenge the Iranian political system in a fight for freedom, reform and change.  Sadly, you are most likely in prison or on your way to prison. The above account specifically describes the case of Nasrin Sotoudeh:  an Iranian mother, wife, lawyer, human rights defender and justice activist who is currently serving a reduced six year sentence in Iran’s infamous prison, Evin. In addition to her six year prison term, Sotoudeh has been banned from practicing law for 10 years. Read More »

Rebel, activist, blogger, disgrace, un-Islamic, and freedom fighter are only some of the ways Egyptian Aliaa Magda Elmahdy has been described. What do I call her? Fearless. The 20 year old Egyptian nude poser has received global criticism over the last week for her recently released naked picture.The picture sparked national and international controversy because she posted a nude image of herself on her blog in a society where nudity and sexual freedom is frowned upon.  She states that the pictures are “screams against a society of violence, racism, sexism, sexual harassment and hypocrisy.” Read More »