Reading Time: 2 minutes

Testimony at the European Parliament

Zhino Babamiri Urges European Parliament to Act Against Death Sentences in Iran

During a session at the European Parliament, Zhino Babamiri, a HIWA member and co-founder of the Daughters of Justice campaign, presented evidence and testimony on state violence in Iran, including death sentences, enforced disappearances, and systemic repression targeting Kurdish communities.

Her testimony addressed ongoing cases of Kurdish political prisoners prosecuted under the same security framework, including Kaveh Salehi, Tayfur Salimi Babamiri, and Pejman Soltani, as well as cases of enforced disappearance such as Osman Mameh. These cases were situated within a broader pattern of mass arrests, intimidation, and collective punishment in Kurdish regions.

Zhino also spoke from direct experience, referencing the case of her father, Rezgar Beigzadeh Babamiri, a Kurdish political prisoner sentenced to death for providing medical assistance to injured protesters during the Woman, Life, Freedom uprising. Although his death sentences were later rejected by Iran’s Supreme Court, his case remains unresolved, reflecting the persistent legal limbo faced by political prisoners.

Discussions with Members of the European Parliament focused on concrete accountability measures, including targeted sanctions against IRGC officials, judicial authorities, and security actors involved in torture, unlawful prosecutions, and grave human rights violations. The exchange led to further engagement with MEPs on potential follow-up actions at the individual case level.

The Daughters of Justice campaign, supported by Hiwa, continues to document violations, preserve evidence, and amplify family-led testimonies to advance international accountability for crimes committed by Iranian state actors.

Related Links:

Zhino Babamiri´s X post

Article on The Guradian from the diplomatic editor Patrick Wintour

Hana Human Rights Organization report

 

Sardar Pashaei

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.