Sardar Pashaei is a Kurdish human rights activist, former world wrestling champion, and President of Hiwa, a U.S.-based organization advocating for a democratic and secular Iran.
A former national team coach, he was banned from international competition due to his Kurdish background and political views, and later forced to flee Iran. His activism has come at a personal cost, with members of his family arrested and tortured by Iranian authorities.
Today, he leads international advocacy efforts focused on human rights, ethnic and minority rights, and political repression in Iran. His work also highlights how the Islamic Republic uses sport as a tool of control and propaganda.
He works with policymakers, media, and civil society to advance accountability and support a democratic future for Iran. His advocacy has been featured by major outlets including BBC, CNN, and Fox News.
