Sardar Pashaei

Sardar Pashaei is a Kurdish human rights activist, former world wrestling champion, and Executive Director of Hiwa, a U.S.-based organization advocating for a secular and democratic system that ensures equality, dignity, and justice for Kurds and all nations in Iran.

Born in Saqqez, Kurdistan, Sardar rose to prominence as a national wrestling champion and later served as head coach of Iran’s national wrestling team. Despite his athletic success, he was banned from international competition because of his Kurdish background and political views. In 2009, he fled Iran and later became a U.S. citizen.

Today, Sardar leads international campaigns exposing the Islamic Republic’s use of sports and culture for propaganda and repression. His advocacy has been featured by BBC, CNN, Fox News, and Voice of America, amplifying global awareness of human rights violations in Iran.

Through Hiwa, he unites activists, athletes, and advocates to promote justice, accountability, and equality. His mission is to help build a free and inclusive society rooted in human rights, rule of law, and democratic governance — where every person, regardless of background, can live with freedom and dignity.