On July 13, 1989 (22 Tir 1368), Abdul Rahman Ghassemlou, Abdullah Qaderi-Azar, and Fadhil Rassoul were killed in Vienna while negotiating with representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Although police investigations quickly placed the Iranian delegation at the center…
Founder & Head of Athletes
Sardar Pashaei is a Kurdish activist, former world wrestling champion, and a relentless advocate for justice. At just five years old, he experienced oppression firsthand, visiting his imprisoned father every Thursday.
Banned from competing internationally due to his political family background, he eventually fled Iran and became a U.S. citizen. He has dedicated his time and voice to supporting the Woman, Life, Freedom movement, working with U.S. Congress, the European Parliament, and international organizations to raise awareness about the Iranian people’s struggle.
His activism has come at a personal cost—his younger brother and sister have both been arrested and tortured in Iran. Today, he leads Justice & Freedom for Iran, bringing together survivors, activists, and athletes to work toward a democratic and secular Iran.
