On Wednesday morning, July 15, 2026, Iranian authorities executed 2022 protester Aref Khoshkar in Ghezel Hesar Prison. Consequently, this tragic event marks another death from
Hiwa at Berlin Freedom Week Engaging European Policymakers for Democratic Change During Berlin Freedom Week, Hiwa held a series of high-level engagements with European policymakers,
Hiwa Life panel discussion: The Evolving Role of Kurds in the Middle East Hiwa Life, in collaboration with the University of Groningen (Netherlands), convened a
Hiwa Life at LSE: Urban Space, State Violence, and Kurdish Resistance Hiwa Life participated in the Kurdish Studies Conference at the London School of Economics,
Testimony at the European Parliament During a session at the European Parliament, Zhino Babamiri, a HIWA member and co-founder of the Daughters of Justice campaign,
How We Stopped Islamic Regime Officials and Their Anti-American Delegation from Entering the U.S.
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.
