Iranian wrestler condemns sister’s arrest over Women's Day speech

Former Iranian world wrestling champion Sardar Pashaei has condemned the arrest of his sister for speaking out against the Islamic theocracy's discriminatory laws on International Women’s Day.

“My sister, Leila Pashaei, was arrested a few days after giving a speech on March 8, International Women’s Day, where she stood alongside many brave Kurdish women to speak about women’s rights and equality,” Pashaei told Iran International.

“Security forces raided her home, arrested her, and took her to Sanandaj prison. She has been charged with ‘acting against national security.’ But all she did was speak out peacefully for basic human rights—for women to live free from discrimination and oppression.”

Pashaei criticized the Iranian government’s restrictions on women, saying, “Speaking for equality is not a threat to national security. It is a rightful demand.”

He added that the real threat to Iran’s security comes from the government’s policies, including its nuclear ambitions and financial support for foreign armed groups like Hamas and Hezbollah.

“The Islamic Republic has isolated Iran from the world, spent billions of dollars on nuclear programs that have brought heavy sanctions, and continues to support terrorist organizations,” he said. “These actions have put the safety and future of Iran and its people at risk.”

Referring to the Woman, Life, Freedom protest movement that began after the death of a young woman name Mahsa Amini in morality police custody in 2022, Pashaei said the fight for justice would not be silenced.

“Arresting my sister and other courageous women will not stop this movement. Iranian women and people will keep standing up until they achieve democracy, equality, and freedom—for themselves and for future generations.”

Leila Pashaei was also detained during the Women, Life, Freedom protests and, according to her brother, was jailed for four weeks.

Their other brother Saman was also detained by the Iranian agents in September.

Mahsa Amini’s death ignited Iran’s longest protest movement in four decades, which evolved into an anti-government uprising amid a violent crackdown. Over 500 people were killed and thousands arrested.