Varisheh Moradi, a Kurdish political activist and women’s rights advocate, has been sentenced to death by Iran’s Revolutionary Court. A prominent member of the Free Women’s Society of East Kurdistan (KJAR), Moradi has long been an outspoken critic of the Iranian regime and an advocate for Kurdish autonomy and women’s rights. Her arrest and subsequent death sentence are the latest developments in Iran’s ongoing crackdown on Kurdish activists and political dissent.
Who is Varisheh Moradi?
Varisheh Moradi is a Kurdish political activist from Sanandaj, Iran, known for her passionate advocacy for the rights of women and marginalized communities in the Kurdish regions of Iran. As a member of the Free Women’s Society of East Kurdistan (KJAR), she has been a part of the movement for Kurdish political freedom and gender equality. Moradi has actively campaigned against the oppressive policies of the Iranian government, particularly its treatment of Kurdish people and women. Her activism made her a target for the Iranian authorities, leading to her arrest and a series of legal challenges aimed at silencing her voice.
Arrest, Torture, and Legal Suppression
Moradi’s legal journey has been fraught with injustice from the very beginning. Her arrest took place on August 1, 2023, when she was abducted by Iran’s Intelligence security forces while traveling from Marivan to Sanandaj. In detention, Moradi was subjected to extreme physical abuse, including being severely beaten without medical attention. Reports from human rights organizations indicate that the torture was so severe that Moradi vomited blood and lost consciousness during her time at the Sanandaj Intelligence Department’s detention center.
Following her torture, Moradi was transferred to Evin Prison in Tehran, where she spent months in solitary confinement in Ward 209, controlled by the Ministry of Intelligence. It wasn’t until December 26, 2023, that she was transferred to the women’s ward of the prison. During her prolonged detention, she was repeatedly denied access to legal representation and not allowed to defend herself in court.
Death Sentence and Hunger Strike
On October 6, 2024, during a court session, Moradi’s lawyers were denied access to her case file, and she was not given the opportunity to present her defense. Just days later, on October 10, 2024, Moradi initiated a 20-day hunger strike in protest of the Iranian regime’s use of death sentences against political prisoners, aligning her strike with the World Day Against the Death Penalty. This act of defiance came after Moradi received the death sentence, signaling her resistance to Iran’s oppressive policies and her fight for human rights and justice.
I emphasize that my protest in court and my activities have no connection to any accusations brought against me. I speak as a Kurd, as a woman, and as a human being; my desire for change and the collective freedom of society is a personal responsibility. This time for collective consciousness and freedom has come. Women are society’s foundation, and without them, nothing will change”- Varisheh Moradi
Legal and Human Rights Violations
The Iranian judicial process has faced significant international scrutiny due to its lack of transparency and disregard for international human rights standards. Moradi’s case, like many others, has been marred by legal irregularities, including multiple postponed hearings and the outright refusal of the court to allow her legal team to review the evidence against her. The human rights violations, including torture and denial of a fair trial, demonstrate the ongoing suppression of Kurdish activists and political prisoners in Iran.
Political Prisoner Advocacy and Solidarity
Moradi’s case has sparked outrage among human rights organizations, with widespread calls for international action to prevent her execution. As a prominent member of the Kurdish political movement, she has been a target of Iran’s aggressive crackdowns on dissent. Her advocacy for women’s rights and political freedom, both within the Kurdish community and beyond, has made her a symbol of resistance against Iran’s authoritarian rule.
Regional and International Repercussions
The sentencing of Varisheh Moradi represents a broader issue of political repression within Iran, particularly against Kurdish activists and women’s rights advocates. Her death sentence has drawn international condemnation, with many calling for the Iranian government to cease its crackdown on dissenting voices and honor the fundamental human rights of its citizens. The ongoing abuse faced by Moradi highlights the broader regional struggle for Kurdish autonomy and political recognition, with Iran continuing its policies of repression against minorities, activists, and dissidents.
As the international community continues to call for Moradi’s release and the cessation of the death penalty, her case serves as a reminder of the harsh realities faced by political prisoners under Iran’s oppressive regime. The death sentence of Varisheh Moradi is not just an attack on one individual but on the broader fight for justice and human rights in the region.
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