Warisha Moradi: A Symbol of Cultural Resistance and Women's Rights
KJAR member Warisha Moradi has been sentenced to death by the Iranian state.
KJAR member Warisha Moradi has been sentenced to death by the Iranian state.
Warisha Moradi, born in Sanandaj, is a renowned writer and cultural activist who has been passionate about women's rights, social justice, and freedom since her youth. Through her writings—stories, poems, and articles—she reflected the struggles and hopes of the people of Kurdistan, especially women. Her works often addressed topics such as violence against women, ethnic discrimination, and the ideals of social justice.
In addition to her cultural endeavors, Moradi was a member of the Kurdistan Free Women’s Society (KJAR), a group dedicated to promoting women's rights and empowering women in Kurdish regions, playing a key role in highlighting human rights issues.
Arrest and Charges
Moradi was arrested on August 23, 2022, during the nationwide protests in Iran by the Ministry of Intelligence forces. The charges against her included "rebellion against the government (Baghi)", "propaganda against the system", and "membership in opposition groups".
Following her arrest, she was held in Ministry of Intelligence detention centers in Sanandaj and Tehran for four months, enduring severe physical and psychological torture. According to informed sources, she was coerced into making forced confessions under threat and pressure, which were used against her in court.
In November 2024, the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Abolqasem Salavati, sentenced her to death. Moradi repeatedly stated that the charges against her were baseless and that her confessions were extracted under duress.
Prison Conditions
Moradi is currently detained in Evin Prison, in the women’s ward. She has faced extensive deprivations during her detention, including:
Denial of legal representation: Her lawyer was granted access to her case only after the interrogation phase had ended.
Lack of medical care: Moradi suffers from gastrointestinal and mental health issues due to the torture she endured but has not received adequate medical attention.
Restricted communication: She has been denied regular family visits and has had only limited phone calls.
Significance of the Case and Reactions
Moradi’s case has become a symbol of the systemic oppression of women, minorities, and cultural activists in Iran. Her death sentence has sparked a wave of domestic and international protests.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have called for the immediate revocation of her death sentence. Inside Iran, women and human rights activists in Evin Prison and other areas have repeatedly protested against this unjust ruling through hunger strikes and gatherings.
Consequences of the silencing of Warisha Moradi
Moradi’s case reflects the Iranian regime's attempts to silence dissent, particularly among women who challenge traditional boundaries and fight for equality and freedom. At the same time, her resistance and that of other women like her continue to inspire Iranian society and the global women’s rights movement.
Conclusion
Warisha Moradi is not just an individual; she is a symbol of cultural struggle, hope for change, and resistance against oppression. The "Woman, Life, Freedom" revolution has demonstrated to the world that women are the driving force behind social change. Justice and freedom for Warisha Moradi, Pakhshan Azizi, and other political prisoners can only be achieved through the persistent efforts of the global community and the solidarity of the Iranian people.
The global community is expected to:
Exert greater diplomatic pressure on the Iranian government.
Expand support for women’s rights and ethnic minorities in Iran.
Launch wider campaigns to halt executions and secure the release of political prisoners.
The life of Warisha Moradi and other courageous women represents the aspiration for a society where freedom and justice are not just ideals but realities.